Global Futures

Founders from the University of Waterloo raised more than $14 billion USD in venture capital, according to the latest 2025 rankings by PitchBook, a company that tracks global venture capital and private equity markets. Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to make an impact locally and globally with more than 639 founders launching 527 companies.

How the brain is wired has been understood for a long-time, but how that wiring results in neural activity and cognition remains a mystery. Researchers like Dr. Travis Craddock are using quantum mechanics to gain new insights into the brain and how it works.

Craddock, a Science professor and the Canadian Research Chair in Quantum Neurobiology, bridges the disciplines of biology and physics to map out the physical and molecular processes within the brain.

A palm-sized device developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo could help save lives and reduce illness by rapidly and inexpensively detecting toxic bacteria in water supplies.

Contamination caused by E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, causes an estimated 230 deaths and three million acute illnesses globally each year, mostly affecting babies and young children, according to a study from the National Institute of Health.

In 2013, the global maker movement was gaining momentum as desktop 3D printers began appearing in offices, homes and classrooms, revolutionizing rapid prototyping with plastic materials. But when it came to printing circuit boards, the process remained slow, complex and largely outsourced.

Four University of Waterloo alumni, Jesus Zozaya (BASc ’13), Katarina Ilić (BASc '13), James Pickard (BASc '13) and Alroy Almeida (BASc '13) saw an opportunity to change that.

Cobionix, a pioneer in autonomous medical robotics, has secured $3 million in new strategic funding from venture capital firm TitletownTech. The firm, whose backers include Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers, specializes in digital health, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and entertainment.

Forecasting and tracking wildfires and flooding is extremely complicated as multiple variables are involved. Weather, topography and groundwater flows are just some of the elements that need to be considered when preparing or responding to natural disasters.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are enabling these variables to be analyzed and interpreted quickly and more accurately than ever before allowing decision makers and first responders to make informed decisions that can save lives and safeguard infrastructure.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global economy, WatSPEED is helping Canadian business and technology leaders strategically position themselves for the future. 

After emerging from the pandemic on a relatively strong footing, the Canadian economy is now dealing with considerable trade and investment uncertainty because of U.S. policies, including tariffs.

Whether it’s flooding in Toronto or forest fires raging in Alberta and Manitoba, climate change is pushing natural disasters into populated areas and having a dire impact on communities.

The threat to many homeowners extends beyond property damage and risk of life. The value of their homes and properties could be at risk.