Innovation Arena transforms research into impactful solutions

Karim S. Karim (BASc '99, PhD '03) is the associate vice-president of Commercialization and Entrepreneurship at the University of Waterloo and a professor of electrical and computer engineering. With a distinguished career that includes co-founding the Waterloo medical imaging spin-off KA Imaging, Karim highlights the University’s impact and vision behind its Innovation Arena.

The University of Waterloo is transforming research into tangible impact through the Innovation Arena, a new space situated within the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener designed to accelerate the commercialization of research.

Waterloo’s commercialization ecosystem is unique among universities. “Most schools focus primarily on graduate-level research commercialization, but here, our undergraduates also play a major role in entrepreneurial activity,” Karim explains. “Many of our unicorn startups are driven by undergraduates.”

This strong undergraduate focus sets Waterloo apart, while graduate-level innovations often emerge from research-intensive, intellectual property (IP)-driven projects. The Innovation Arena is specifically designed to bridge the commercialization gap for all kinds of ventures — whether they’re undergrad-led tech startups, IP-intensive graduate or faculty projects or socially-driven enterprises.

Velocity, Waterloo’s flagship startup incubator, serves as the Arena’s anchor tenant, driving many student-led initiatives. By fostering collaboration between students and researchers, the Innovation Arena creates an environment where ideas can flourish. “The co-working environment is invaluable,” Karim says. “Teams not only have access to the facilities but also each other, exchanging ideas, sharing challenges and leveraging networks that accelerate their growth.”

Education is a crucial part of the commercialization journey, and the University has prioritized tailored learning for both undergraduates and graduates.

“Educating students and faculty about commercialization improves their chances of launching successful ventures,” Karim notes. “Velocity, a major player on campus, guides students through entrepreneurial basics and connects them with resources. For graduate students and faculty, the Commercialization Office (WatCo) provides support and guidance specific to IP-heavy research commercialization. The differences in entrepreneurial and commercialization educational needs between undergrads and grads are substantial, and we’re working to address both. Both Velocity and WatCo are part of Waterloo Ventures, a unit in the office of the vice-president, Research and International.”

Waterloo’s unique inventor-owned IP policy also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among faculty, attracting those with an eye toward commercialization. “This policy attracts a higher-than-average number of faculty interested in entrepreneurship,” Karim says. “To measure success, Waterloo tracks early-stage indicators like prototype funding applications and technology disclosures, providing insights into commercialization trends. For student-led startups, the growth in team formations for Velocity’s pitch competitions — from fewer than 20 in 2019 to over 100 annually today — demonstrates a momentum in student entrepreneurship. Innovation Arena will be their new launchpad.”

Innovation Arena is more than just a building — it’s an advanced facility equipped to handle a wide range of technical needs. The space houses labs for biotechnology, semiconductors and electronics, allowing teams to work on low-volume production and prototyping.

“The infrastructure in the Innovation Arena is essential. Students and faculty can quickly go from an idea to a prototype, making commercialization faster and more efficient,” Karim explains. “It also brings together diverse groups working toward common goals, creating a supportive cohort of innovators.”

The University is also selectively bringing in partners who align with its commercialization and research goals. By fostering partnerships between local hospitals, academia, businesses and non-profit organizations, the Arena aims to create a robust ecosystem where ideas can seamlessly transition from research to market-ready products.

“We’re not just looking to rent out space,” Karim notes. “We’re bringing in organizations that contribute to research and commercialization, whether by providing data access, testing facilities or industry insights and more.”  

Ultimately, Waterloo’s approach to commercialization requires not only infrastructure but also a commitment to guiding researchers toward market viability.

“It’s essential for researchers to understand the market and industry context for their innovations,” Karim says. “Curiosity drives groundbreaking discoveries, but it doesn’t always produce market-ready products. By focusing on real-world problems and aligning research with market needs, we increase the chances of successful commercialization.”

With the Innovation Arena, Waterloo is poised to build on its legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. By combining cutting-edge facilities, targeted education and strategic partnerships, the University is accelerating the path from research to impact, making a mark on industries ranging from health, technology to social innovation for our global future.