Communitech

Just the facts? Check out the latest tech stats.

Tech industry

450+ tech firms employing 26,000+ people. Read about some of them in the Record´s Tech Spotlight.
Local technology companies generate more than $9 billion in revenues
Part of the fastest growing economy in the country (CIBC World Markets, May, 2005)
950+ companies produce or facilitate technology locally, and 45% of the region’s growth is in technology sector employment (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP report, 2001)
Where they’re located: 166 companies in Waterloo, 100 in Kitchener, 96 in Cambridge. See the map.
Provides 10% of employment in the Waterloo-Guelph region and accounts for 45% of job growth. 120% increase in revenue, asset base growth of 163%, equity increase of 420% ($1.5 billion in 1999 alone) and a pre-tax profit increase of 58% (May, 2002).

Education

The University of Waterloo (UW): ranked as Canada’s most “innovative university”. Renowned for computer science, engineering and mathematics. Areas to watch: nanotechnology, quantum computing, pharmacy, health sciences and engineering.

A research-intensive university. More Canadian spin-offs trace their roots to UW than any other Canadian school (22% of commercialization at all Canadian universities). UW’s early forward-thinking intellectual property policy allowing tech transfer out of the university was a key to the formation of Waterloo Region’s original technology community. Today, UW is a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Home to the new Research & Technology Park. Its goal: to foster radical innovation and create breakthrough research. Home to businesses like Sybase Inc., iAnywhere Solutions, Financial Fusion, AvantGO and Open Text.
Inventor of the co-op education program, the largest in North America and a key source of talent for local firms.
Produces 10% of all Canadian engineering grads and 30% of all Ontario math grads.
A leader in environmental programs. Recently launched a green with innovation campaign to highlight their expertise.
Last year was the 13th year in a row that UW was ranked the most innovative university in the country. They’re also #1 best overall.

Wilfrid Laurier University: excellence in business and research with campuses in Brantford, Cambridge and Kitchener.

Home to a new $11.5 million Laurier Science Research Centre and the Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship. A partner with UW in LaunchPad $50K, a new and exciting competition modeled on an MIT version, for students, researchers, and the community members to join together in teams, develop business plans, and start successful businesses.
The School of Business and Economics is one of the largest business schools in Canada, and one of the most respected.

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning: top reputation for applied technology with campuses in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and Stratford.

Rated the number one college in Ontario for eight years in a row!
Offers degrees, diplomas and certificates in areas including advanced manufacturing, technology and health care.

Research centres

150+ research institutes in and around Waterloo Region, including:

Innovation support

A strong network of support:

Plus numerous investment companies. Read more about these and other partners.

Tech ticker

Waterloo Region is home to many public technology companies: