July is peak summer season and across Waterloo, research and growth continue at full speed. Along with taking advantage of the excellent weather, researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses have been busy advancing new technologies, securing investments and expanding into new markets.
From healthcare breakthroughs and defence innovation to infrastructure milestones and business growth, the region continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Canada’s leading innovation hubs.
Here are some of the stories that stood out this month.
Waterloo receives major federal boost for manufacturing, defence and innovation
The Government of Canada is investing nearly $40.5 million in 23 businesses across Waterloo and Brant regions to strengthen supply chains, expand advanced manufacturing and accelerate growth in defence, security and AI technologies. Several Waterloo‑based companies, including Eclipse Automation, LabsCubed, Quantum Valley Ideas Laboratories, VueReal, Navitas Vehicle Systems and XL Tool Inc., will use the funding to modernize and scale operations. These investments will create jobs, enhance competitiveness and reinforce the Waterloo region’s role as a national innovation hub.
75 years strong: How WalterFedy is scaling up across Canada
Kitchener-based WalterFedy proves that you never age out of a growth mindset. In conversation with Waterloo EDC, CEO Garth Cressman discussed how the 75-year-old engineering and architecture firm has doubled in size since 2021, expanded its presence across Canada and entered emerging sectors such as nuclear infrastructure. By staying focused on talent, complex projects and its people-first culture, WalterFedy is successfully blending decades of experience with a bold national growth strategy.
Waterloo is quietly building Canada’s next aerospace innovation hub
In conversation with Waterloo EDC, Dr. Suzanne Kearns shared how University of Waterloo’s Institute for Sustainable Aeronautic (WISA) is connecting aerospace companies with cutting-edge research, funding opportunities and a talented workforce. Combined with a collaborative regional ecosystem and Canada’s only certified electric aircraft testing program, Waterloo is positioning itself at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
" WISA can be a very effective bridge where we can help [companies] navigate all the different stakeholders within the university system to help match them with research collaborators. "
Dr. Suzanne Kearns
Founder and Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics
Waterloo innovator transforms maritime security and surveillance
ENVGO, founded by University of Waterloo alumnus Dr. Mike Peasgood, aims to bring together hydrofoiling technology, electric propulsion and autonomous systems to transform maritime surveillance and defence. By combining aerospace-inspired autonomy with advanced marine engineering, ENVGO is positioning Canada at the forefront of sustainable next-generation maritime security.
Waterloo breakthrough transforming eye care with custom contact lenses
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a 3D-printing platform that can create fully customized contact lenses in as little as 20 minutes. By combining advanced design software, a novel silicone material and precision manufacturing techniques, the technology enables patient-specific lenses to be designed, printed and dispensed during a single optometrist visit. The innovation promises faster, more comfortable solutions for patients with complex vision needs and could revolutionize the future of personalized eye care.
Waterloo startup Alchemy takes its defence nanotechnology global
Alchemy, a Velocity startup based out of the University of Waterloo, is transforming nanotechnology into next-generation defence solutions, developing advanced textile coatings that mask heat signatures from thermal cameras. Working with the Canadian Armed Forces, the company’s camouflage technology aims to improve soldier protection in an era of drone-based surveillance.
Velocity startup Alchemy’s nanotechnology windscreen protection film installed on vehicle. Photo credit: University of Waterloo.
Waterloo researchers engineer cancer-eating bacteria
University of Waterloo researchers are advancing a new approach to cancer treatment by engineering bacteria that can selectively grow inside tumours and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue untouched. Using synthetic biology, the team modified Clostridium Sporogenes to better survive in low-oxygen tumour environments and activate only when it reaches a critical population inside a tumour.
Waterloo secures additional water capacity
The Region of Waterloo has secured additional water capacity, allowing development projects to move forward ahead of schedule. The newly available supply supports thousands of future residents and jobs, marking an important step in ensuring the region can continue to grow sustainably. In short: water access in the Waterloo region is no barrier to new investment.
Local femtech startup secures funding to empower women’s healthcare decisions
As reported by BetaKit, Kitchener-based startup myStoria has raised $1.65 million in seed funding to expand its digital health platform designed to help women take control of their healthcare journeys. Founded by CEO Jessica Chalk after her own experience navigating fertility treatments, myStoria centralizes health records, symptoms and appointment history in one AI-powered platform.