Mathematicians and computer scientists are natural problem solvers. It is this innate curiosity and tenacity that provides fertile ground for ideation, creation. For the entrepreneurial-minded, the logical outcome is commercialization.
Since its inception, the Faculty of Mathematics has been rich with entrepreneurial spirit. From the University of Waterloo’s first spinoff company – Waterloo Basic Enterprises, later known as WATCOM and now known as Sybase, as well as other early startups, Maplesoft and OpenText, to those recently featured in alumni publications such as Kim Davidson – Side Effects, Henry Shi and Hussein Fazal – SnapTravel, and Sam Pasupalak – Maluuba, the drive to meet interesting problems with commercial applications is a part of our history.
There is definitely a spirit here at Waterloo that encourages entrepreneurship. Other schools try to imitate that in some way, or try to foster it – they have courses in entrepreneurship, they have little startup labs and things like that. But the course here is in the ether, rather than being in a classroom. - Frank Tompa, Distinguished Professor Emeritus
The University’s early decision to ensure that intellectual property rights would belong to creators—unheard of at the time—emboldened faculty and students alike to become entrepreneurs. Today, the university’s Velocity program further inspires student entrepreneurs. Known as Canada’s most productive startup incubator, Velocity enriches students’ world-class education by igniting and fuelling their natural entrepreneurial spirit through space, resources, and guidance.
Today, hundreds of companies and thousands of student success stories trace their roots to Waterloo’s one–of–a–kind entrepreneurship ecosystem.
To further encourage entrepreneurs in the Faculty of Mathematics, the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science introduced its inaugural Capstone Sequence program.Beyond creating companies that bring innovative and world-changing ideas to the global market place, the Faculty of Mathematics alumni entrepreneurs want to support the next generation of founders. They do this through a range of activities such as providing advice and mentorship, speaking engagements, as well as scholarships, awards (for Capstone projects), and other important program funding.
We are very proud of the accomplishments of our many alumni founders. Behind each of the entrepreneurs we’ve featured is a story of unshakeable ambition and determination.
Want your story added? Click here to share with us, or contact Lauren Hartman, Senior Alumni Officer.
