Societal Futures

The increasing integration of cars with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) means fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) will likely be a reality by 2050, if not sooner. These self-driving vehicles will not just operate with minimal human intervention, they will make “decisions” to adapt and react to changing situations on the road. Human drivers will literally take a back seat. 

Canada is home to some of the best innovators in the world.

Many founders find it challenging in the early stages of their business due to limited access to non-dilutive funding. Here enters Velocity — the centre of entrepreneurship at the University of Waterloo — with a solution to the problem since 2008.  

Students often dream of working in another country where they can explore a new culture while growing their skills. However, salaries for co-op positions abroad may not cover the costs of flights and housing, making these roles inaccessible for some students. 

Fortunately, Waterloo donors recognize the value of a work term abroad. Through gifts of all sizes, they are helping more students access international and non-profit opportunities they might not otherwise consider. The resulting co-op experiences can transform the lives of both students and the communities they work in.

Dr. Mikal Skuterud
Professor, Economics
> Director, Canadian Labour Economics Forum

Dr. Mikal Skuterud became interested in labour markets in high school while working in a large warehouse alongside many recent migrants to Canada. During his undergraduate degree in labour studies, Skuterud took several economic theory courses, which confirmed he was on the right career path.

A new collaboration between the University of Waterloo and the City of Iqaluit is allowing students to apply their skills to real-world challenges — all while making a tangible difference in the North.

The partnership was possible through i-Capstone — the University of Waterloo’s first interdisciplinary undergraduate capstone program. Designed to unite students from every faculty, i-Capstone enables students to tackle complex problems facing Canadian communities — like sustainable housing, infrastructure and integrated urban planning — all for academic credit.

Many of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems share a common feature: a world-class research university at their core. The University of Waterloo has played a pivotal role in establishing the Waterloo region as a premier innovation ecosystem in Canada. 

For engineers across Canada, the Iron Ring is more than a piece of jewelry — it’s a symbol of responsibility, integrity and pride. Now in its 100th year, the Iron Ring ceremony is an important rite of passage for University of Waterloo Engineering graduates, reminding them of their duty to do good work that serves society.