April Wrap-up: Waterloo Delivers Impact Across Industries

This April, that momentum took shape in new R&D investments, health and infrastructure breakthroughs and a perfect example of how Waterloo’s quantum ecosystem works together. Across sectors, the common thread was progress with purpose and real-world application.

Here are the top stories from the Waterloo region this month.

Siemens invests $150M in AI battery R&D

In late March, Siemens announced a $150M investment to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre for Battery Production in Canada – with one of its locations in Waterloo.

The centre will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. It will leverage Siemens’ expertise in AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins and cybersecurity to drive innovation and efficiency in battery production, while fostering collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers.

“The decision to choose Canada as home for our Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center was driven by Canada’s highly qualified talent and strong collaborations with world-leading universities,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO, Factory Automation, Siemens Digital Industries.

Digital health innovation takes the spotlight

The Times Higher Education Digital Health 2025 Summit brought more than 200 global leaders to the University of Waterloo last month to explore how technology is transforming health care.

Speakers from Pfizer, Samsung Health, the World Health Organization and leading Canadian health networks discussed how digital tools are reshaping care. Local health-tech companies including Foqus Technologies and Fluid AI showcased tools for faster diagnostics and real-time post-op monitoring.

“We need to design technologies to meet society’s needs… [and] look to work with partners across the sector to create solutions that advance population health and support the development of more sustainable communities,” said Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo.

Quantum research and talent converge

To celebrate International Quantum Day on April 14, Waterloo EDC released a new Quantum Ecosystem Map showing how local research institutions, companies and commercialization hubs are working together to move quantum innovation from lab to market.

Waterloo is home to over 300 quantum researchers and more than 20 companies in areas like quantum cryptography, sensing and materials. The ecosystem includes globally respected institutions such as the Perimeter Institute and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).

One new addition to the map is Open Quantum Design (OQD), a nonprofit building the world’s first open-source, full-stack quantum computer

“We’re in the exact right spot and right country to be doing quantum,” said Greg Dick, CEO of OQD.

Startup momentum builds across sectors

Local startups made headlines last month for putting bold ideas into action, backed by new funding, partnerships and pilot projects.

At the Velocity Pitch Competition, eight early-stage ventures received more than $100,000 in Momentum Grant funding.

Among them were…

• GreaseTech, this year’s top pitch winner, which is building tools to prevent machine failure in industrial settings through smart lubrication systems.
• CELLECT Laboratories which is developing a non-invasive device in menstrual products that enables easy cervical cancer and HPV screening.
• GrownStone which creates sustainable construction material by transforming construction and agricultural waste (such as corn stover and bean pods) into building supplies.

Meanwhile, at Communitech’s Fast Track Cities showcase, ConeLabs secured $100,000 in pilot funding to help governments inspect bridges and roads more efficiently. Its AI-powered platform uses drone-based 3D modelling to inspect infrastructure without shutting down roads.

“We’re now working with municipalities beyond Kitchener to inspect bridges and government-managed assets in multiple provinces,” said CEO Albert Mansour.

These ventures – and the support systems behind them – reflect the momentum building across Waterloo’s startup ecosystem.

Yearbook highlights community progress

The 2024 Region of Waterloo Yearbook launched last month, offering a snapshot of how the region is translating long-term goals into real-world outcomes – from affordable housing to climate action.

The Region surpassed its goal of enabling 2,500 new affordable homes by 2025, with more than 2,700 already built or in development.

Other highlights include the launch of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, Indigenous-led housing in Cambridge, one of the region’s three cities, and infrastructure investments that support energy efficiency and active transportation.

Airport’s economic impact soars

A report released in April revealed that that the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) generated $390M in total economic output in 2023 – a 251% increase since 2015.

YKF supports more than 660 jobs and is home to 44 businesses, including Flair Airlines and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, which trains about 20% of Canada’s commercial pilots.

The airport’s rapid growth reflects the region’s profile as a well-connected business hub.

New quiz helps companies plan global expansion

Waterloo EDC launched a new Expansion Readiness Quiz to help companies assess whether they’re ready to enter international markets.

It takes just a few minutes to complete the quiz and provides a snapshot of your company’s current strengths, potential gaps and recommended next steps.

Whether you’re just exploring your options or actively preparing to expand, it’s a quick way to check your progress – and take the next step with confidence.