Co-op and Experiential Education

Carta is transforming how private markets operate by digitizing equity ownership and investment infrastructure previously managed through manual spreadsheets and paper trails. The company’s software enables founders, investors and employees to manage cap tables (records of company ownership), fund administration and valuations all in one place.

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.

Convocation is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration of perseverance, growth and achievement. Each year, family, friends and the University of Waterloo community come together to honour graduates as they cross the stage and step into the next chapter of their journeys. 

For the second year, graduate students have been selected as valedictorians for fall convocation ceremonies. These exceptional scholars have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also made meaningful contributions to their communities through research, leadership and service. 

As the top university in Canada for experiential learning, University of Waterloo co-op students help employers across multiple industries to tackle real-world challenges and build bold solutions. From improving rural health care to presenting innovative sustainability solutions, students are empowered by employers to make an impact in shaping a better future for all.  

Friendlier, a local startup tackling Canada’s single-use plastic problem head-on, recently closed a $4.5 million dollar funding round. The company, founded in 2019 by University of Waterloo alumni Jacqueline Hanton (BASc ’20) and Kayli Smith (BASc ’20), has raised a total of $10 million and kept almost 3.7 million food and beverage containers out of landfills.  

Second-year University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy student Brett Hummel (PharmD’27) is committed to integrating Indigenous and western approaches in his patient care. Through his studies, he’s developing the clinical skills needed and is using his own experiences and compassion to foster trust and improve health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Canada’s largest student-led hackathon returned to the University of Waterloo for its annual weekend of intense innovation. More than 1000 student hackers from around the world gathered at the Faculty of Engineering to experience 36 hours of fast builds and fun games. 

In keeping with the Hack the North motto, Dream Big and Build, this year’s student organizing team added exciting new elements to pull people together and encourage more play. These included the inaugural Waterloo Tech Week, Goose Games and an attempt to break a Guinness World Record which succeeded! 

An eclectic mix of 30 students joined forces at the University of Waterloo to participate in this year’s Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship (SSEF) program, hosted by the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Ideas Clinic and developed in partnership with Halton Region.  

The annual, nine-week program challenges students from Waterloo and abroad to explore ideas for improved urban development and present innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change and mitigate further environmental damage.    

Students and entrepreneurial researchers are drawn to the University of Waterloo for its distinctive innovation ecosystem. Whether you're committed to creating social change, developing early-stage inventions or launching a commercial venture that’s poised to make waves, Waterloo offers the right support at every stage of the journey. 

Leveraging Waterloo’s renowned co-op program, students are making a significant impact in the business and technology sector with transformative innovations.  

As more consumers choose to support local shops over big-box chains, Waterloo co-op students at Faire — an online wholesale platform connecting independent retailers with unique brands — are helping build tools that strengthen local economies and empower small businesses to thrive.