Ideas start here

Ideas start at the University of Waterloo, and the Office of Research helps convert ideas into opportunity.

The Office of Research is the university's central point connecting scientists on campus or those associated with Waterloo to opportunities for funding and services, including commercialization. Office of Research staff support researchers through the many phases of research including ethics review and managing funds.

Research is an integral and intensive area at Waterloo. In 2023-2024, Waterloo attracted more than $259.9 million from public and private sources to fund research across a spectrum of challenges. Waterloo's strength in research excellence is supported by partnerships with industry, creating opportunities that generate new knowledge and further Canada's economy.

News

Waterloo’s creator-owned intellectual property (IP) policy, Policy 73, is a key differentiator for the University. Unlike most universities, Waterloo researchers inherently own what they invent, which incentivizes Waterloo’s attraction of the most entrepreneurial faculty and students. It is also a major draw for industry partners.

Recently, the New Zealand Government announced that it will be implementing a similar model.