Impact in Innovation: Shoppers Drug Mart Whitehorse
More than just local pharmacies, Shoppers Drug Mart in Whitehorse is a cornerstone of the community. With support from co-op students, pharmacist Edmund Tan helps create change. His stores (298 and 299) deliver significant health care services to both urban and rural communities.
Shoppers Drug Mart in Whitehorse (Shoppers) offers new innovative student-led initiatives, including a minor ailment referral pathway and a chronic disease management program. Both initiatives are transforming care delivery and improving patient outcomes. At Shoppers, students bring fresh ideas and take initiative to make an impact.
Honourable mention: DarkVision
Impact in International Excellence: Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre
Through groundbreaking research, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre is changing how patients receive treatment. It operates under Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and is one of North America's largest care programs.
Sunnybrook shapes co-op students into future global healthcare leaders. Students contribute to international projects, partnerships and research. They represent Sunnybrook and present their research papers and findings at international conferences. At Sunnybrook, students take part in cutting-edge research and learn the importance of patient care.
Honourable mention: RANDOX Laboratories Ltd
Impact in Research: InfinityQ Technologies Inc.
InfinityQ Technologies Inc. (InfinityQ) focuses on research and development of quantum-inspired computing and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The female-led startup develops optimization solvers for complex problems.
Waterloo co-op students support solutions in logistics, transport, finance and energy at InfinityQ. Students contribute their expertise to mathematical optimization research projects and help build efficiencies. Students often represent InfinityQ by presenting their innovations at prestigious conferences. At InfinityQ, students fuel progress with research skills and fresh thinking.
Honourable mention: Terray Therapeutics
Impact in Sustainability: Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes, the largest family-owned homebuilder in North America, is leading the homebuilding industry in developing sustainable communities.
Waterloo co-op students provide Mattamy Homes with fresh ideas and perspectives through sustainability capstone projects. The executive team often acts on the findings and solutions that students present. Students network, learn from each other and create long-lasting relationships. Mattamy Homes combines meaningful work with hands-on experience to grow the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Honourable mention: Purolator Inc
Impact on Student Experience: The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is a collaborative research institute focused on conducting and enabling high-impact translational cancer research.
Waterloo co-op students help OICR with research, technology and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Students' diverse perspectives and technological experience help drive progress. OICR empowers students to champion significant improvements, including streamlining workflows, automating processes and enhancing data analysis techniques. At OICR, students experience a culture of collaboration for success.
Honourable mention: Sony Interactive Entertainment – Playstation
Impact in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Nuclear Promise X
Nuclear Promise X (NPX) is a purpose-built nuclear innovation firm with a mission to modernize and elevate the nuclear energy industry. NPX emphasizes innovation, safety and sustainability to foster a unique work environment.
NPX ensures every co-op student feels supported, valued and empowered to succeed. The company provides structured leadership training, inclusive hiring practices and ongoing mentorship. Co-op students take part in training opportunities, employee resource groups and community engagement initiatives. “You are safe here” is more than a core value for NPX. It’s how students flourish.
Honourable mention: The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
Watch the celebration
Celebrating success: a message from our interim associate provost
Judene Pretti, PhD, interim associate director, Co-operative and Experiential Education
We’re grateful to our Employer Impact Award recipients for opening doors to transformative, real-world experiences. Your commitment helps students grow with confidence and apply their talents in meaningful ways. You help shape futures filled with purpose, possibility and hope.