August often feels like a season of its own – with one eye out on the final stretch of summer and the other on what comes next. As residents make the most of the final weeks, Waterloo region continues to build on the momentum that has defined much of 2026.
Local organisations have continued to attract new investments and strengthen key sectors, a reminder that the community’s innovation ecosystem continues to evolve and expand heading into the fall. From major economic development announcements to advances in aerospace, AI and climate technology, here are some of the stories that caught our attention this month.
Toronto-Waterloo becomes North America’s biggest tech cluster
The new CBRE Scoring Tech Talent report has identified Toronto-Waterloo as the largest tech talent cluster in North America, surpassing New York Metro and the San Francisco Bay Area. The same report also named Waterloo the #1 small tech talent market in North America, and the only smaller market to crack the top 10 overall. Read our story to learn more.
Map of the biggest tech clusters in North America, according to CBRE
University of Waterloo and Airbus reveal new partnership for sustainable aviation
The University of Waterloo and Airbus enter in a long-term partnership to accelerate research, talent development and innovation in sustainable aerospace technologies. Through the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), the collaboration will connect researchers and students with real-world industry challenges such as advanced materials, digital aviation systems and electrification, helping shape a cleaner and more resilient future for the aerospace sector.
Source: University of Waterloo
" Airbus brings deep industry expertise, while Waterloo offers a research network that can connect aviation and aerospace to emerging technologies and complex global challenges. Together, we can move promising ideas closer to real-world impact. "
Dr. Suzanne Kearns
PhD, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA)
Cohere and University of Waterloo partner to lead AI transformation
Cohere, a Canadian-founded AI company and global leader in sovereign AI, which builds trusted AI solutions for highly regulated industries including finance, health care, manufacturing and the public sector, is investing in Waterloo’s Future of Work Institute to help shape a new certificate program to equip students to lead AI transformations inside organizations.
Ontario invests $1.1M in Waterloo’s aerospace and health tech sectors
The Ontario government is investing over $1.1 million in Waterloo region through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program to help local industries reduce reliance on U.S. markets, strengthen supply chains and create new growth opportunities. Funding will support the AeroWR Strategic Growth Initiative and the City of Waterloo’s health tech accelerator program, creating opportunities for aerospace, aviation, defence and health technology companies while protecting more than 1,200 jobs and strengthening long-term economic resilience.
Waterloo researchers launch AI-enabled climate research company
Waterloo researchers and entrepreneurs have launched ULYSSES Climate Intelligence, an AI-powered platform designed to help businesses, financial institutions and governments identify and manage climate-related risks across their supply chains. Built on decades of climate research at the University of Waterloo, the platform provides early warning alerts and actionable insights that support stronger resilience, smarter decision-making and more effective adaptation to extreme weather events.
Waterloo startup Ribbit advances autonomous aviation for remote communities
Founded by University of Waterloo alumnus Jeremy Wang, Ribbit is developing pilotless fixed-wing aircraft designed to improve transportation, logistics and connectivity in remote and infrastructure-limited regions. Emerging from Waterloo’s startup ecosystem, the company has secured multiple contracts with Transport Canada, the Department of National Defence and other federal agencies, positioning itself as a Canadian leader in autonomous aviation and dual-use aerospace technologies.
Canadian tech veterans launch AI lab to rewrite traditional research methods
Transformer Lab has launched Primus, an autonomous AI research platform designed to automate the research process, as reported by BetaKit. The local company claims the platform has already generated 30 research papers in 30 days, highlighting its vision of accelerating scientific discovery and transforming traditional research processes.
Tariff relief programs available
Tariffs continue to dominate the news cycle, and many businesses are seeking support programs that will help them weather the storm. Waterloo EDC has compiled a listing of programs – grants, loans, etc. – that may help your company. Visit the Tariff Support page now.