Contact the Problem Lab
Mathematics and Computer Building, room 2057
University of Waterloo
519-888-4567, Ext. 36421
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 7:00 PM EST
The Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch is finally here! Register for the event and watch the finalists pitch their research on important problems affecting the world and compete for R&D funding.
Thursday, October 28, 2021 4:00 PM EDT
Professors Dr. Lennart Nacke and Dr. Daniel Harley will present a lively introduction to storytelling in design. You’ll gain valuable insights into how engaging narratives can be used to create empathy, make connections, clarify meaning, and enhance audience experiences in pitch competitions using design and storytelling.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 5:30 PM EDT
The Problem Lab and the Faculty of Environment present an information session on the concept of the triple bottom line. A panel of speakers and subject matter experts will speak about the importance of social and environmental considerations that companies can build into their organizations. Using case studies and real-world examples, you will understand how companies can apply the triple bottom line to enhance people's lives and the well-being of the planet.
Sunday, October 10, 2021 11:59 PM EDT
Thursday, October 7, 2021 5:30 PM EDT
Stakeholder and customer interviews, when done properly, can help you learn insights that you would not otherwise uncover. In this information session, Lynn Haddrall, Journalism Professor at Conestoga College, will discuss the mentality and technique of conducting effective stakeholder interviews. Regardless of what startup stage you are in, by the end of the session, you will learn how to approach and get the most out of stakeholders and customers through better interviews.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 5:30 PM EDT
In this workshop, we’ll focus on researching your ideas with Christine Moffatt, Researcher at the Problem Lab, and previously the Entrepreneurship Liaison Librarian. After this session, students will be able to: articulate research questions about their problem space; identify key library resources and freely available sources that will help with their market and industry research; articulate remaining gaps in their research about their problem space.
Highly recommended for students interested in the Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 5:30 PM EDT
In this workshop, legendary Professor Larry Smith will discuss what makes an important problem, why pursuing important problems is advantageous for start-up founders and employees in an organization, and the two overlooked channels where students can find important problems. Larry will share success stories and mistakes from his former students at UW – you can think of these as summary lessons from the last 40 years. At the end of the workshop, a list of 30 Billion Dollar Problems will also be shared with students.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 5:30 PM EDT
The University of Waterloo is home to a community of centers dedicated to supporting students in the development of innovative mindsets and entrepreneurial ideas. During this event, you will be provided with an innovation roadmap that will detail how and when to engage with campus resources. If you want to build skills in innovative thinking or explore entrepreneurship, attending this event is the first step in your journey!
Monday, September 13, 2021 (all day)
Each semester, the Problem Lab hosts the Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch competition. This competition challenges teams of students to pitch their research of an important problem affecting industries or technologies for a chance to win R&D funding to support the development of a solution to the problem.
Monday, July 26, 2021 — 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM EDT
Register for the Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch of the finals and watch the 6 teams pitch their problems to a panel of judges. Two teams can earn up to $15,000 each, which can be used to support the a team's R&D as they develop a solution to the problem they pitched.
Teams will have 5 minutes to pitch their problem, followed by up to 10 minutes of Q&A from the judges. Come out and watch student pitch their research on some important problems facing industries and organizations.
Friday, May 21, 2021 — 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
If you are thinking of applying to the Quantum Valley Investments®️ Problem Pitch, you will want to join this workshop! Members of the Problem Lab will be running a workshop on how to prepare and write your application application and what you can expect in the Problem Pitch. The workshop will be led by people involved in the application review process. You do not want to miss this chance to find out what they are looking for in your application!
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 — 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT
The Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch Finals are almost here! Register for the pitch finals to come out and watch the teams pitch their problems to a panel of judges. The top teams will earn R&D funding to support the development of a solution to the problems they pitched.
Monday, March 22, 2021 — 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT
The Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch Finals are almost here! Register for the pitch finals to come out and watch the teams pitch their problems to a panel of judges. The top teams will earn R&D funding to support the development of a solution to the problems they pitched.