March was packed with exciting news in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and aerospace in Waterloo.
From major defence contracts to AI-driven health solutions and global academic recognition the community continues to reinforce its reputation as a hub for innovation.
Here are the top stories from March 2026.
Colt Canada gets $300M order for modular rifles
Colt Canada, based in Kitchener, has received a $300M order from the Canadian government to supply up to 65,000 new modular rifles to the Canadian Armed Forces. This investment strengthens Waterloo Region’s reputation as a centre for high-precision manufacturing and defence technology, showing how local companies are helping reach national defence objectives and strengthen sovereignty.
Read more in The Globe and Mail.
UWaterloo a top tech school, again
In the new QS University Rankings, the University of Waterloo has continued its strong performance in global tech rankings, with the 27th-ranked computer science program and the 30th-ranked electrical/electronic engineering program, putting it ahead of renowned schools like Caltech and the University of Texas at Austin. UWaterloo ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in 15 subject areas, including mathematics, data science and AI, materials science and mechanical engineering.
Learn more about The University of Waterloo’s results.
Minister of National Defence hosts Waterloo roundtable
Following the Colt Canada investment announcement, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty hosted a roundtable discussion with local business leaders. Chaired by Waterloo EDC President & CEO Tony LaMantia, the roundtable sought input on the new Defence Industrial Strategy, and featured representatives from some of Waterloo region’s top defence-oriented businesses, including Shimco, Maerospace, Pegasus Aeronautics and Sphere Manufacturing. The roundtable was followed by a company showcase.
AI innovation tranforms healthcare delivery
A UWaterloo/Velocity start-up, Doro, has created a stack of AI tools that give health-care teams clearer insight into patient well-being and emerging needs. The company is developing clinically-guided AI tools that monitor patient-reported data and maintain ongoing engagement, helping care teams identify issues earlier and improve outcomes. Learn more about how AI is bridging the gap between health-care visits.
UWaterloo driving massive economic impact
The University of Waterloo’s new report “The Waterloo Impact” highlights the incredible economic impact alumni have in the world. They’ve founded 68,000 companies and generate about $400 billion in annual revenue. Innovation and research efforts have contributed $771 million to Ontario’s GDP over the last decade. Incredible numbers that are just the tip of the iceberg – read our new article about the report.
Soft-robotic wearables offer health solution
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are developing portable soft-robotic wearable devices to improve treatment for lymphedema, a common complication for cancer survivors. The Waterloo Microfluidics Laboratory has created a compact compression sleeve that allows patients to move freely while receiving therapy, reducing costs and improving usability.
Learn more with Education News Canada.
More health-tech investment in Waterloo
Intellijoint Surgical and Vena Medical have secured $1.9 million through Ontario’s Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund to expand manufacturing and bring advanced medical technologies to global markets. The funding will support new production capacity, create high-skilled jobs and accelerate commercialization of innovations in surgical technology and medical imaging.
Read more about these two companies at the UWaterloo news page.
Waterloo Region continues to build momentum across key sectors with strong industry partnerships cutting-edge research and growing global recognition. From defence and aerospace to health tech and AI these developments highlight a region ready to support international companies looking to expand and succeed in North America.