Waterloo is a leading hub for advanced manufacturing in Canada. Our ecosystem is packed with world-class research partners who are here to help manufacturers innovate. Whether you’re looking to try new materials, improve operations or digitize your supply chain, we’ve got the support you need.
In Waterloo, we believe collaboration is the key to success. From early-stage research to full-scale production, our centres provide the expertise, equipment and partnerships to move your ideas forward. With easy access to leading university labs, college centres and industry partners, you’ll find support at every stage. You’ll also find incredible talent with hands-on training in each of these areas.
Here are 10 research centres in our community that are shaping the future of manufacturing and maintaining our region’s competitive edge.
Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Lab (MSAM)
(University of Waterloo – Kitchener)
The MSAM Lab is Canada’s largest academic metal additive-manufacturing research facility. With more than $25 million in equipment and 15,000 sq ft of research space, the lab supports companies through the entire additive-manufacturing process, from material development and process optimization to simulation, monitoring and quality assurance.
MSAM recently received $5 million to launch the Consortium for Sustainable Scale-up in Metal Additive Manufacturing (CSS-MAM), which aims to strengthen partnerships with Ontario’s manufacturing sector to de-risk R&D and drive innovation.
SMART Centre
(Conestoga College – Cambridge)
Conestoga’s SMART Centre bridges the gap between research and production. The hub works with various industry partners to solve challenges in areas such as product development, process improvement and sustainable manufacturing. The centre offers hands-on collaboration with access to test sites and research teams, making it a valuable partner for manufacturing companies looking to innovate and expand within Waterloo Region.
Centre for Advanced Materials Joining (CAMJ)
(University of Waterloo)
At the CAMJ, researchers and industry experts’ team up to solve challenges in materials engineering and joining technologies. The centre specializes in microwelding, nanojoining, friction stir welding and quality assurance for sectors including aerospace, automotive and energy. Partnering companies can tap into the centre’s labs and technical support to enhance product performance and durability.
Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN)
(University of Waterloo)
The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology is Canada’s largest nanotechnology research hub. WIN brings together Waterloo faculty from 11 departments to design and prototype smart materials, advanced sensors and next-generation energy systems. The institute’s multidisciplinary approach and lab facilities help manufacturers create and scale innovative coatings, materials and devices.
RoboHub
(University of Waterloo)
The RoboHub is UWaterloo’s central hub for robotics research and innovation. The facility brings together university and industry partners, and supports applied research in autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, advanced robotics applications and more. By partnering with RoboHub, manufacturers can explore new ways to automate production, enhance precision or deploy smart systems.
Institute for Polymer Research (IPR)
(University of Waterloo)
The Institute for Polymer Research provides industry–driven expertise in polymers, coatings, adhesives and elastomers. The centre helps companies create stronger, more efficient and more sustainable products. Through its membership program or contract research, manufacturers can access expert consulting, analytical services and the latest developments in polymer design and processing.
Einwechter Centre for Supply Chain Management (ECSCM)
(Wilfrid Laurier University – Waterloo)
The ECSCM is an academic research and coordination centre for supply chain management. It focuses on strengthening supply chain performance through research in logistics, analytics and sustainable operations. By hosting seminars, roundtables and conferences, the centre helps manufacturing companies improve the efficiency, agility and resilience of their supply chains.
Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WatCAR)
(University of Waterloo)
WatCAR is Canada’s largest university-based automotive research centre. The facility connects over 125 faculty researchers with manufacturers and suppliers around the world. WatCAR helps companies stay competitive and accelerate innovation by offering access to state-of-the-art labs, rapid prototyping and expertise in areas such as lightweight materials, autonomous vehicles and connected mobility.
Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (AMC)
(University of Waterloo)
The AMC is a collaborative initiative between the University of Waterloo, McMaster and Western University that aims to strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing competitiveness. In Waterloo, the consortium connects industry partners with experts from the university, providing access to advanced research, state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.
Through R&D projects, training and technology-adoption programs, AMC helps businesses modernize production, boost efficiency and bring new products to market faster.
Craig Richardson Institute of Food Processing Technology (IFPT)
(Conestoga College – Cambridge)
The IFPT supports the food and beverage manufacturing industry through education, applied research and technical innovation. Its full-scale pilot plant includes three production lines: beverage, bakery and fresh vegetable, as well as a food testing lab. The institute helps manufacturers adopt new automation, packaging, sanitation and quality systems in order to boost productivity and competitiveness in the food processing sector.
A region built for industrial innovation
Waterloo’s manufacturing ecosystem is built on a foundation of research, collaboration and innovation. With world-class facilities, expert researchers and strong industry partnerships, this is where manufacturers turn their ideas into reality.
Whether you’re developing new materials, advancing automation or scaling sustainable production, connect with our research centres and join the manufacturers who are already building their future here!
Connect with our team and start the conversation.