The short version
October showcased the strength of Waterloo’s ecosystem. Established industry leaders like Bizlink elocab, DESCH North America and Colt Canada celebrated major milestones. Newer local companies working in spacetech, cybersecurity and nuclear energy attracted investment and earned national recognition. The University of Waterloo continued to build on its reputation as one of Canada’s top universities – especially in cutting-edge applied research.
October in the Waterloo region means Oktoberfest – the world’s largest outside Germany – but it wasn’t just our heritage being celebrated last month. Across the region, companies and researchers attracted investment, made discoveries and earned international recognition.
Here’s a look at some of the stories that shaped October across the Waterloo ecosystem.
A month of milestones
Three Waterloo region companies marked major anniversaries this month: BizLink elocab, which designs and manufactures custom cables and cable assemblies for robotics, factory automation and machinery (Kitchener – 30 years); DESCH North America, which makes power transmission components like clutches and couplings for the mining and energy industries (Cambridge – 40 years); and Colt Canada, which manufactures rifles and carbines for the Canadian Armed Forces and militaries in other countries (Kitchener – 50 years).
BWXT to supply microreactor technology for Canadian nuclear power plant
BWXT’s BANR microreactor technology has been selected for Prodigy Clean Energy’s Indigenous-led Transportable Nuclear Power Plant project in Belledune, New Brunswick. The initiative aims to develop a commercially deployable nuclear power solution for remote and industrial applications across Canada and global markets. The project will leverage BWXT’s manufacturing facilities – including local locations in Kitchener and Cambridge – and a Canadian supply chain.
University of Waterloo ranked as Canada’s 4th– best largest university
The University of Waterloo has been ranked Canada’s fourth-best large university in Maclean’s 2027 university rankings. The ranking recognizes excellence across key indicators including student success, faculty quality, student support and institutional reputation. Home to North America’s largest co-op program and a globally recognized innovation ecosystem, Waterloo continues to attract top talent positioning itself as a leading hub for research, entrepreneurship and technology.
Two Waterloo companies receive CSA funding for space technology
Two local companies, Photon-IV (Cambridge) and Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC) (Waterloo), have received funding from the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Technology Development Program to advance next-generation space technologies. Photon-IV will develop an AI-powered system to improve satellite communications, while CSMC is working on a Canadian Radioisotope Power System designed to support future lunar missions and long-duration space exploration.
UWaterloo researchers work on strengthening cybersecurity for the age of AI
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are tackling emerging cybersecurity risks associated with AI, including vulnerabilities in autonomous AI agents and large language model-powered systems. Through support from the National Cybersecurity Consortium and the University’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute, researchers are developing safeguards to help ensure AI technologies remain secure, reliable and trustworthy.
UWaterloo alumni help drive Canada’s future in space robotics
Three University of Waterloo engineering graduates are helping advance Canada’s leadership in space robotics through careers at MDA Space. Leveraging co-op experiences, hands-on learning and the Systems Design Engineering program, the alumni now support missions ranging from Canadarm2 operations aboard the International Space Station to the development of next-generation space technologies.
Local Waterloo AI startup Page acquired by legaltech firm Clio
As reported by BetaKit, Burnaby-based legaltech company Clio has acquired Page, a local startup specializing in AI-powered government relations and regulatory monitoring software. The acquisition will see Page’s 12-person team join Clio as the company integrates Page’s technology into its expanding AI platform to help legal professionals spot legislative and regulatory changes as they take effect.