Tech community
Where technology happens
The talented innovators who work on the world’s next big technology breakthroughs are doing it right here, in booming Waterloo Region.
The fastest growing community in Canada has a very diverse range of companies that lead developments in the world’s hottest industries. Thumb a locally-made Blackberry, picture Mars rovers with digital eyes, intricate lasers used for inspection systems, or wireless technology that lets your doctor transfer records to your hospital. Now, you’ve just scratched the surface of the exciting inventions taking shape in the region.
Technology diversity gets us pumped, but it’s what lies beneath that tells the whole story.
This is a place where the next tech generation is inspired and supported by seasoned top guns - savvy, successful CEOs who choose to live and build businesses here over anywhere else in the world.
That’s because the fuel that drives them is right next door: cream-of-the-crop tech talent streaming out of Canada’s top educational institutions. Plus, cutting-edge infrastructure, red hot growth, 10 minute commutes, an active, family-oriented community, and a network of organizations unlike any other in the country.
This is where technology happens, in the most innovative community in Canada!
Read the Top 10 on the region’s tech centre
This is where technology happens, in the most innovative community in Canada! The region’s tech zone is:
1. Incredibly diverse industries, from wireless leaders to advanced manufacturers. Check the tech stats. Read the news.
2. Supported by top tech talent, and attracting even more.
3. Largely home-grown: from RIM and Dalsa to Open Text and MapleSoft. Read our TechStory and find out why.
4. Collabortive. Tech companies compete globally, not locally, creating a strong network of peer-to-peer support.
5. Focused on R&D, drawing on activity and resources at local centres of excellences and top universities.
6. Public and private: about 30 public companies, with many more owned by public companies.
7. Cheered on by a network of support organizations that is the envy of other communities.
8. The most innovative community in Canada. Read about our new study.
9. Sophisticated tech infrastructure, including a community-owned fibre-optic backbone.
10. Located in a not-too-large, not-too-small urban centre where adults can play hard and kids can play safely. Oh, and 10 minute commutes.
Business, government, and academia…have gotten together to create several community organizations that encourage networking and offer support to entrepreneurs, pursue lobbying, and attract investment. After a couple of meetings with such groups, I came away with the feeling that these folks have an intense, personal sense of loyalty to the success of their community -- and confidence in the knowledge that itīs all working.
As they tackle the challenges of under-investment, Canadaīs leaders should look under the skin at Kitchener-Waterloo, a case study for the world of tomorrow.
David Ticoll, Globe and Mail Update