Talent

Over the past eleven years, Hack the North has grown to become a major force in the world of hackathons. This year’s event saw more than 1,000 young inventors come together at the University of Waterloo to work together over 36 hours and create a dizzying array of software applications, hardware projects and gadgets. The competition was as fierce as ever, but there were also lots of opportunities to make connections and get inspired.

In an era where climate change is more visible than ever — rising urban temperatures, extreme weather events and increasing instances of poor air quality from wildfire smoke — the demand for accurate and trustworthy information is critical. The University of Waterloo, in collaboration with the Waterloo Climate Institute, hosted an impactful community lecture addressing this pressing issue.

Leveraging co-op opportunities, Waterloo students have been making a huge impact across various industries including business, technology and health.

Many of these breakthroughs occur at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada’s largest single hospital research institute, and one of Waterloo’s top co-op employers.

From designing image detection tools to developing 3D neurovascular prototypes and building surgical robot simulators, producing disruptive technologies is at the core of what our students do in advancing the future of health care in Canada.

The University of Waterloo has profoundly shaped every aspect of Ruhuni de Alwis’s (BA ’89, BMath ’89) life, from career foundation to personal relationships.

Through Waterloo’s co-op program, de Alwis built a thriving career, met her partner, Barry Matsui (BMath ’89) and forged lifelong friendships. But when de Alwis first arrived on campus in 1984, she was uncertain about her future.

“Kids today seem to have a clearer idea of what to expect, but back then, it was a leap of faith,” she said.

“It’s hard to be creative when you’re afraid,” muralist Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14) reflected. Today, Boutari is a successful artist, and her colourful murals appear in commercial and public spaces across Ontario.​​ However, her journey to this point has been a long and winding one as she gained the confidence to pursue her true passion.

The University of Waterloo is dedicated to solving complex global challenges through research excellence and deep industry and community partnerships. Waterloo focuses on transforming societies, economies, technologies, sustainability and health for a thriving future. The "Solving the crisis" series takes an in-depth look at six of some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today, ranging from climate change to housing affordability.

As technology increasingly transforms business strategy, it is crucial for senior leaders to stay ahead of the curve.

The University of Waterloo’s Tech Horizons Executive Forum, brought to you by WatSPEED and hosted by CIBC, returns this year to equip executives with the insights and tools needed to thrive in a world increasingly driven by technology. This year’s event will take place on November 26 at CIBC Square in Toronto.

The University of Waterloo is proud to welcome a new cohort of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students through the Schulich Leader Scholarship program. Out of 350,000 potential candidates, 100 high school students across Canada have received this award, and 10 are joining Waterloo this fall.

Students pursuing an engineering degree will receive $120,000, while students in science, technology or math will receive $100,000. The scholarship will cover university expenses and allow students to focus on their studies, research projects and entrepreneurial ventures.

The University of Waterloo has again been ranked the best amongst Canadian universities for producing successful entrepreneurs with undergraduate degrees, according to the 2024 PitchBook university rankings.

If you believe in an idea, you can build it. Every term, Velocity engages undergraduates, graduate students, staff and faculty from across the University of Waterloo through advisory, builder spaces and events to help you bring even the smallest idea to life.   

Find out how to work with Velocity and check out events and programs this fall term.