The University of Waterloo is recognized for its rigorous research, entrepreneurial spirit and technological impact. It's part of a thriving regional ecosystem that has recently been recognized as a leader in North America in the annual Scoring Tech Talent 2025 report released by CBRE.
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.
The University of Waterloo is pleased to welcome 10 outstanding students to its incoming first-year class through the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships program.
Awarded annually to 100 high school graduates across Canada, these scholarships recognize exceptional individuals who demonstrate strong entrepreneurial potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each Schulich Leader receives between $100,000 and $120,000, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with financial peace of mind.
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.
As wildfires grow more frequent and severe across Canada, University of Waterloo
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.
Many of the world’s most vibrant culinary and food innovation scenes are rooted in strong academic communities and the University of Waterloo is no exception. Known for its legacy of entrepreneurship, Waterloo has also helped cultivate a new generation of food innovators who are transforming how we grow, prepare and experience food.
As a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, it’s no surprise that companies and founders linked to the University of Waterloo have a noticeable presence among those featured within BetaKit’s Most Ambitious List.
Waterloo ranks as the top university in Canada for startup founders and 21st in the world according to the Pitchbook University Rankings. Recently released data shows that Velocity, Waterloo’s core entrepreneurship incubator, has more than 500 companies with a combined enterprise value of $40 billion.
The University of Waterloo startup ecosystem has long been a driver of innovation across its campuses, in Waterloo region and around the world. Entrepreneurship is woven deep within the Waterloo DNA and continues to grow and prosper because of a solid foundation of support and resources.
