Societal Futures

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Waterloo founders win big at Velocity Pitch Competition

by Darren McAlmont, University Relations

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.  

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Transforming lives and communities through co-op

by Beth Bohnert, Office of Advancement

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.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Boosting Canada’s economic potential with international talent

by Darren Mc Almont, University Relations
Mikal Skuterud

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.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

From campus to community

by Angie Docking, Faculty of Engineering

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.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Made by Waterloo

by Angelica Marie Sanchez, University Relations

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. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Uniting Canada’s engineers with pride and integrity

by Charlotte Danby, Faculty of Engineering

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. 

Monday, February 10, 2025

Waterloo partnership with Windmill Microlending empowers skilled newcomers 

by Emma Pavlovich, WatSPEED

The University of Waterloo is teaming up with Windmill Microlending, a national charity dedicated to supporting skilled immigrants and refugees, to help newcomers successfully integrate into Canada’s workforce.  

This partnership is designed to close the gap between skilled newcomers and the Canadian job market. Through financial support and tailored educational opportunities, it provides the resources needed to unlock the potential of this diverse population.  

Monday, February 3, 2025

Public health researchers receive new CIHR funding

by Faculty of Health

Drs. Geoff Bardwell and Zahid Butt, both researchers in Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences, have received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in the latest competition