Future students

As Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 begins, we’re spotlighting 10 standout entrepreneurs from the University of Waterloo — students and alumni who are challenging norms, redefining industries and building a better future. These innovators are not only making waves in their respective fields but are also setting the pace for what’s next for society, health, technology, the economy and sustainability. 

New research from the University of Waterloo is making inroads on one of the biggest problems in theoretical computer science. But the way to do it, according to Cameron Seth, a PhD researcher working in the field of algorithmic approximation, is by breaking the problem down into smaller pieces. 

“Everyone working in computer science and mathematics knows about the ‘P vs. NP’ problem,” Seth says. “It’s one of the notorious Millennium Prize Problems: so famous and so difficult that solving one will earn you a million dollars.” 

The University of Waterloo has seen an increase in the number of researchers included in this year’s Highly Cited Researchers™ 2025 list recently published by Clarivate. The list highlights the world’s most influential researchers and scientists.

Those selected have authored multiple Highly Cited Papers which rank in the top one per cent by citations in their field. Citations and peer review are the lifeblood of academic research, ensuring both integrity and innovation. The Highly Cited Researchers™ list recognizes only one in 1,000 researchers from around the world.

Conrad School professor and Enterprise Co-op champion inspired students and entrepreneurs through mentorship, optimism and care

University of Waterloo alumni Frank Baylis (BASc ’86) and Valerie Baylis (BA ’86) visited campus to announce the Gloria Baylis Foundation’s philanthropic contribution of $20 million to the Faculty of Engineering. 

The gift honours former Waterloo Engineering dean, the late Dr. Pearl Sullivan, who prioritized students’ educational experiences with indomitable energy. Under Sullivan’s leadership, the Faculty’s flagship building, Engineering 7, was built to give students and researchers greater access to leading technologies, labs, experiential learning hubs, workspaces and more.  

Deep within the structure of the Mathematics and Computer building (MC) at the University of Waterloo lies one of the most sophisticated and important digital research computing systems in Canada. The newly refreshed system, named Nibi, recently replaced the Graham supercomputer.

The University of Waterloo has long been a key driver of innovation, fostering entrepreneurs whose ventures shape industries and enrich communities — with alumni leading some of the region’s most vibrant and creative businesses.

Four researchers at the University of Waterloo have been awarded $3.95 million in funding to support their research as part of the illustrious Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program.   

This year, the CRC program is investing more than $198 million to support new and renewed Chairholders. Through the program, up to $311 million each year is invested to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds.   

Fall 2025 Convocation was a vibrant celebration of achievement, perseverance and community at the University of Waterloo. Across five ceremonies, the campus came alive with cheers, applause and heartfelt moments as thousands of graduates crossed the stage to mark the culmination of their academic journeys. 

Their success is a testament to their strength and adaptability, and the ceremonies reflected the pride felt by families, friends, faculty and staff who supported them along the way. 

Fall 2025 Convocation is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. 

This year’s graduating class began their academic journeys during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming unforeseen challenges with resilience and determination. As 2,800 graduands prepare to cross the stage, six undergraduates reflect on their most memorable experiences and offer advice for future Warriors.