Advancing Global Healthcare in Waterloo: An Ecosystem Map

In Waterloo, the health innovation ecosystem is making a global impact, with 100+ life sciences companies advancing biotechnology, digital and AI health, imaging technologies and more.

With transformative developments like the Innovation Arena and a new hospital underway, our community is the perfect place for healthcare companies looking to grow.

Wondering what’s driving this thriving ecosystem? Let’s explore the key players, sub-sectors and support hubs inventing the future of health innovation in Waterloo.

Key players in our ecosystem

Editor’s note: The Waterloo region is made up of three cities and four townships. We’ve identified the community where you’ll find each company in parentheses below. Together, we’re known as Waterloo.

Waterloo is a hub to several leading healthcare companies, such as:

• Novocol Pharma (Cambridge): A global biopharmaceutical provider specializing in the development and manufacturing of personalized injectable medications.
• Intellijoint (Kitchener): A leader in the development of commercialized surgical navigation systems for joint replacement surgeries, enhancing the experience for surgeons, healthcare admins and patients.
• Sonova (Kitchener): A global leader in innovative hearing care solutions, designs advanced audiology technology that enhances hearing aid performance.
• Primed (Cambridge): A leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality personal protective equipment supported by extensive industry knowledge and experience.
• AGFA Healthcare (Waterloo): A global provider of healthcare IT solutions, specializing in medical imaging and diagnostic software to improve clinical workflows and patient care.
• KA Imaging (Waterloo): A medical imaging company known for its dual-energy X-ray technology, delivering clearer, more accurate diagnostics for healthcare professionals.

Health innovation companies by sub-sector

Waterloo’s health innovation ecosystem spans several sectors, as companies work to advance the health innovation industry and global healthcare. Here are some of the sub-sectors they operate in:

• Instruments & devices: Design and manufacture diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and medical devices to improve patient care.
• AI & machine learning: Use artificial intelligence to revolutionize diagnostics, patient monitoring, and personalized medicine.
• Digital health: Develop telemedicine platforms, mobile health apps, and wearable devices to enhance healthcare delivery.
• Imaging hardware & software: Create advanced imaging systems for medical diagnostics and research.
• Contract manufacturing & automation: Provide manufacturing services and automation solutions for medical devices and health products.
• Medical equipment: Produce essential healthcare equipment like ventilators, surgical tools, and monitoring systems.
• Biotechnology & pharmaceuticals: Innovate in drug development, biotechnological processes, and advanced therapeutics.
• Laboratory services (B2B): Offer lab testing, research support, and diagnostic services to healthcare providers and researchers.

Commercialization hubs & research labs

In Waterloo, the health innovation ecosystem grows from the support of top commercialization hubs, including:

• Innovation Arena: A facility fostering collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to advance in health technology. It’s home to the newly relocated Velocity, which offers world-class labs, equipment and space for health tech startups.
• Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX): Canada’s first industry-led hub committed to supporting medical technology companies. They provide mentorship from successful businesses, scaling strategies, and navigational support.

Complementing these hubs are research labs like:

• Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) and the Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology (CBB): These University of Waterloo research labs fuel groundbreaking innovations through advanced research and partnerships, impacting solutions in aging and bioengineering.
• Laurier Science Research Centre: This research lab from Wilfrid Laurier University supports advancements in health innovation with specialized facilities and equipment for microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation: This Conestoga College research lab conducts community-focused research, centered on strengthening healthcare solutions through collaboration.

Why join the ecosystem?

Waterloo is an ideal location for companies looking to advance, scale and collaborate in the health innovation ecosystem, and here’s why:

• Access to world-class talent: North America’s highest concentration of computer science talent and more than 39,400 tech workers.
• Prestigious academic institutions: Home to top universities, including the University of Waterloo (one of the top 15 computer science schools in North America), Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.
• Cutting-edge infrastructure: New developments like the Innovation Arena and the region’s newest hospital, which will be located on the University of Waterloo campus.
• Supportive ecosystem: Collaborate with leading companies like Novocol Pharma and Intellijoint, alongside commercialization hubs like MIX and Velocity.
• Cost-effective environment: Competitive real estate and talent costs, paired with government incentives.