News

From affordable housing to AI-driven mobility, University of Waterloo students turned bold ideas into actionable solutions at the inaugural Future Cities Innovation Challenge. 

The inaugural Future Cities Innovation Challenge, co-hosted by Velocity and the Future Cities Institute, brought startup energy to real-world urban issues. 
 
Their solutions addressed real-world problems, from sustainable infrastructure to the ethical use of technology, bringing Waterloo’s Global Futures vision to life. The event showcased the power of student innovation in shaping healthy, prosperous, and sustainable cities. Explore six standout ideas that are helping build the cities of tomorrow. 

Dr. Shams Anwar, a postdoctoral researcher with the Future Cities Institute, recently presented his work on sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure at two major national conferences: the 247th ECS Meeting and the CSME International Congress–CFDSC–CSR 2025. 

His research explores the role of energy-efficient transport and urban systems in enabling the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient cities. Emphasizing practical, impact-driven green technologies, Dr. Anwar’s work contributes to a growing body of applied research that informs infrastructure planning for sustainable urban futures. 

From overlooked parkettes to bustling plazas, Dr. Glover explores how thoughtful design, policy, and programming can turn public spaces into powerful catalysts for connection and community. 

“Placemaking isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about people, purpose, and possibility,” says Dr. Glover.

From AI-powered civic tools to sustainable housing solutions, University of Waterloo students came together to present interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world issues at this year's i-Capstone symposium. 

Held on March 26, the event showcased student creativity, teamwork and dedication to solving real-world urban challenges. Designed to unite students from every faculty, i-Capstone — the University of Waterloo’s first interdisciplinary undergraduate capstone program — enables students to tackle complex problems facing Canadian communities while working with real world partners, all for academic credit. This includes areas like sustainable housing, infrastructure and integrated urban planning.

A new collaboration between the University of Waterloo and the City of Iqaluit is allowing students to apply their skills to real-world challenges — all while making a tangible difference in the North.