About the Problem Lab

About us

The first of its kind in Canada, the University of Waterloo's Problem Lab is designed to help innovators create ventures of economic and social significance. The more important the problem, the more challenging it will be to understand. We specialize in understanding important problems, the first essential step of disruptive innovation.

We believe that the Problem Lab and the Quantum Valley Investments®️ Problem Pitch Competition will encourage students to focus on fully understanding a problem before venturing to solve it, and will lead to better ideas and strategies for new businesses. We expect the program to grow over time and play an important role in the University’s, the region’s, and Canada’s innovation ecosystem. — Mike Lazaridis