The first month of the new year brought major investments in Ontario’s manufacturing sector, training for Waterloo companies looking to lock up their intellectual property and a new series on the unique strengths of mid-size communities.
Here are the top stories from January 2021:
General Motors invests $1 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing in Canada
General Motors (GM) has announced plans to invest $1 billion to manufacture electric vehicles in Ontario. GM’s manufacturing will be housed in the CAMI assembly plant, which is located approximately 30 minutes from Waterloo. This investment is the latest in a series of automotive manufacturing deals that are driving Canada’s automotive corridor toward a sustainable future.
New IP training program seeks to advance IP commercialization in Canada
Communitech is launching an IP training program to help C-Suite executives improve their IP strategies and strengthen Canada’s approach to the commercialization of intellectual property. This initiative follows the unveiling of the Ontario government’s new IP Property Action Plan and increased focus on supporting research and development in the province.
Waterloo is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities
Smaller communities like Waterloo have flourished – population-wise – over the past year as remote work exploded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Waterloo was the fastest growing community in Canada and the region is still within the top two this year. Located in Canada’s innovation corridor, Waterloo is home to a dynamic tech scene that features some of Canada’s fastest growing companies as well as cost advantages that set the region apart compared to North America’s biggest cities.
Lazaridis School of Business launches Master of Supply Chain Management program
The Lazaridis School of Business at Wilfrid Laurier University (Laurier) launched a Master of Supply Chain Management program to help fill Ontario’s growing need for supply chain experts. As COVID-19 puts the onus on reshoring and strengthening supply chains, this new program will ensure that companies in Waterloo have a strong pool of talent ready to support their growth.
Waterloo leaders make the case for mid-sized communities
A new series from The Future Economy takes a look at the unique opportunities mid-size communities present to growth-oriented businesses. Using Waterloo as the model to explore this idea, they spoke with local leaders from Google, Communitech, ApplyBoard, Clearpath Robotics and Waterloo EDC. You can find the whole series on their website, or our round-up here.
Making 3D metal printing mainstream
The University of Waterloo and the National Research Council of Canada have joined forces to help companies capitalize on the enormous potential of metal 3D printing technologies. This project, which will run for at least seven years, aligns perfectly with the University’s expertise in additive manufacturing and the community’s strength in manufacturing and automation.
Reports, business news and original stories
As 2020 wrapped up, Waterloo EDC took some time to collect the biggest business news stories, most glowing reports and our favourite original pieces from what became a very unique and challenging year. Enjoy!
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