Innovation Update 2026
The Global Futures Innovation Update 2026 highlights how the University of Waterloo community is responding to some of the most complex and urgent challenges facing our world today — and how that work continues to evolve.
Across society, health, the environment, technology and the economy, Waterloo’s faculty, staff, students and alumni are moving ideas beyond theory into action. Featured in the latest Global Futures Innovation Report, these stories highlight unconventional researchers, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose interdisciplinary work and industry partnerships to build more resilient, equitable and sustainable futures with real world action.
Be inspired by the people and ideas emerging from Waterloo — and by what’s possible when innovation is guided by purpose.
Click below to explore our Global Futures
Reimagining affordable homeownership in Canada
A bold new model for “missing middle” housing
With housing prices keeping homeownership out of reach for many, a new living lab led by Waterloo partners aims to build 10,000 affordable homes by 2030.
From co-op to climate leadership at Purolator
Student talent driving real-world sustainability impact
Waterloo co-op student Hoang Do helped Purolator earn platinum recognition in Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge while supporting measurable emissions reductions across operations.
Faster, more objective concussion detection
A saliva-based approach to screening head injuries
A portable neurotechnology device developed by Waterloo-connected entrepreneur Andrew Cordssen-David could transform how concussions are detected in sport and beyond.
