October Wrap-up: Stacking Up Sweet Successes

We were busy stacking up some sweet wins across the region this October, storing them away for a future that will last well beyond the winter months.

Here are some highlights from October:

Mercedes-Benz, OVIN launch automotive incubator

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) to create three new incubators in Ontario, including one in Waterloo Region.

Focused on advancing electric vehicles, AI and vehicle components, these incubators will provide startups with access to Mercedes-Benz’s expertise and the international STARTUP AUTOBAHN network.

Mercedes-Benz will also collaborate with the University of Waterloo on neuromorphic computing research, led by Professor Chris Eliasmith, to improve AI-driven driving assistance systems.

Mary Wells, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Waterloo, noted the importance of industry collaboration: “Partnerships with companies such as Mercedes-Benz bring opportunities to directly apply and test our work while introducing our students to the highest standards in industry.”

Novocol Pharma expands production line

Novocol Pharma and Moderna celebrated the opening of a new mRNA vaccine fill-finish production line at Novocol’s Cambridge facility, reinforcing the region’s position as a key player in Ontario’s growing biomanufacturing ecosystem.

Known as Project Vista, this expansion of Novocol’s sterile injectable filling capabilities was supported by Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund and enhances the company’s capacity for producing cartridges, vials and syringes – helping to strengthen national pandemic preparedness.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli visited the facility following the announcement, joining Regional Chair Karen Redman and other dignitaries to highlight Ontario’s commitment to the life sciences sector.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli celebrate Novocol Pharma’s recent expansion announcement.

Supercomputing gets $43M boost

Mercedes-Benz and OVIN aren’t the only organizations ramping up innovation. The Digital Research Alliance of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities awarded $43M to the University of Waterloo’s Graham Data Centre.

This funding will renew and expand the high-performance computing infrastructure and cloud storage that supports researchers across Canada. Enhanced computing capacity will be essential for work in areas like climate science, drug discovery and AI.

“The knowledge generated by researchers is one of our most powerful assets, and we must safeguard these university ecosystems to drive social change and fuel technological advancement,” said George Ross, CEO of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Waterloo earns top marks for innovation

The University of Waterloo earned the 25th spot on Fast Company’s inaugural Ignition Schools 2024 list, which highlights universities worldwide driving innovation and entrepreneurship. UWaterloo ranks third among Canadian universities on the list, recognized for its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, global networks and culture of discovery.

Maclean’s Canada’s Best Universities rankings also came out in October, with the University of Waterloo placing #4 overall, #3 for quality and #2 for innovation. The university also ranked #1 in Canada for computer science and #2 for engineering, affirming its leadership in the STEM fields.

Waterloo recognized for data science, AI

UWaterloo’s run didn’t stop there. The university placed second in Canada and ranks 40th globally in Data Science and AI, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

This recognition highlights UWaterloo’s rapid growth in data science and AI since launching its Graduate Data Science Program just five years ago. The program’s unique co-op and experiential learning opportunities make it popular among students across STEM fields.

New math and computing centre underway

The University of Waterloo has broken ground on Mathematics 4 (M4), a new 120,000-square-foot facility that will enhance research in math and computer science.

Key features include “The Green Room,” a sustainable lab that powers computations and recycles heat to warm the building, and a “polymorphic classroom” designed to switch from lecture hall to collaborative space for dynamic learning.

Expected to open in 2027, M4 will offer students and researchers top-tier resources to tackle global challenges in health, environment and business.

New rec complex breaks ground

Rounding out October’s highlights, the City of Cambridge began construction on a multi-purpose recreation complex, a 32.5-acre facility that will include a 10-lane swimming pool, three gymnasiums, a walking track, fitness area, multi-purpose rooms and a new library branch.

Located near a new elementary school and community park, the complex is part of a joint-use campus developed with local school boards and the Cambridge Public Library. Expected to complete in 2026, this project aims to meet the needs the city’s growing population and enhance quality of life for residents.

Stocking up for the season ahead

With October’s achievements safely stored away, Waterloo is ready for another season of sustainable growth. From new facilities to fresh funding, today’s sweet successes will help us continue to feed a prosperous future for our community.