Waterloo offers a dynamic Health innovation and MedTech ecosystem, including accelerators, incubators and post-secondary programs. But it’s our research hubs that give companies the greatest competitive advantage.
Options range from community-focused research labs to high-tech university centres specializing in bioengineering, digital health and assistive AI. With Waterloo’s growing network of industry partners and active projects like the Waterloo Eye Institute expansion, the region is rapidly emerging as a global leader in health technology and medical research.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor or organization looking to collaborate, the Waterloo area offers the talent, infrastructure and partnerships to bring new health tech ideas to life.
Here are 10 collaborative research spaces in our community that are inventing the future of healthcare.
Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN)
(University of Waterloo)
WIN is Canada’s largest nanotechnology institute and a global leader in the field. With a 285,000 sq. ft. facility, it supports innovation in medical technologies, smart materials, connected devices and next-gen energy systems. The Institute’s health innovation research includes targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical imaging and more, and its corporate partnership program offers industry partners access to researchers and state-of-the-art nanotechnology equipment and facilities.
Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology (CBB)
(University of Waterloo)
CBB brings together over 130 faculty members and industry partners to accelerate healthcare innovation by providing access to world-class research, talent and technologies. The Center focuses on 28 application areas, with key strengths in cancer, aging, wearable devices, healthcare systems and neurodegenerative diseases. It also leads research in emerging fields such as personalized medicine, environmental biotechnology and rehabilitation.
Waterloo Data & Artificial Intelligence Institute
(University of Waterloo)
Waterloo.AI connects over 200 researchers from a variety of fields who are working to advance artificial intelligence and turn algorithms into applicable solutions. The institute focuses on areas like machine learning, optimization and human-machine interactions, with researchers applying AI to solve challenges in healthcare, manufacturing, finance and transportation. Waterloo.AI bridges academic innovation with industry needs by facilitating collaborative projects and developing practical AI solutions.
Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living Lab (ITWIL)
(University of Waterloo)
The ITWIL Lab develops internationally renowned AI-driven technologies to support aging, independence and quality of life for older adults. Combining computer science, engineering, rehab science and human factors, the lab uses user-centred design to solve age-related health problems. The lab offers biotech and MedTech companies the opportunity to test drive new technologies, co-develop innovative solutions and more.
Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub (BioHub)
(Conestoga College – Kitchener)
The BioHub supports businesses in the biotech and bioscience industry overcome technical challenges, refine product development and scale to new markets. By offering direct access to advanced laboratories, specialized equipment and expert research support, the BioHub serves as a valuable partner for international companies looking to establish a presence in the community.
Knowledge Inference in Medical Image Analysis Lab (KIMIA)
(University of Waterloo)
The KIMIA Lab uses AI to analyze large medical image archives, focusing on enhancing diagnostics in pathology and radiology. The Lab offers partners access to AI expertise and medical image analytics. With international collaborators like the Mayo Clinic and WHO, the lab is shaping how medical data is interpreted and used in clinical practice all over the world.
Waterloo Eye Institute
(University of Waterloo)
The Waterloo Eye Institute is Canada’s largest optometric care centre and a part of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry. The institute combines education, research and patient services all under one roof. For companies in vision technology or ophthalmic devices, working with the Waterloo Eye Institute provides clinical expertise and opportunities for collaborative research. A $53 million expansion is currently underway, set to open in late 2026 and will add 68,000 sq. ft. of new facilities.
SMART Centre
(Conestoga College – Cambridge)
The SMART Centre connects businesses with the resources needed to overcome challenges in sectors like health tech, manufacturing and zero-emissions industries. Through applied research and technical services, the centre helps businesses turn ideas into real results, offering support in prototyping, testing and innovation strategy.
Laboratory on Innovative Tech in Medical Ultrasound (LITMUS)
(University of Waterloo)
LITMUS is a research group that focuses on advancing diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound technologies. The lab bridges together ultrasonics, medicine and biology to address complex biomedical problems. For companies looking to enter or grow within the Canadian health tech market, working with LITMUS is a great way to access cutting-edge research and team up on new medical innovations.
Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation
(Conestoga College – Kitchener)
This research centre partners with local, national and international healthcare organizations to develop practical solutions that improve healthcare delivery. The Centre’s multidisciplinary research focuses on areas such as dementia care education, simulation-based training, healthcare workforce development and program evaluation.
In Waterloo, innovation meets infrastructure, making it an ideal location for entrepreneurs to turn their ambitious ideas into reality. With its strong academic partnerships, state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative community hubs, the region is an ideal destination for international innovators looking to contribute to the future.
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