This past year, students, alumni, researchers and staff made significant strides in addressing global challenges and advancing technology. These top 12 stories of 2024 highlight some of Waterloo's transformative work shaping the future.
A breakthrough treatment for stroke patients
Vena Medical, a startup from Waterloo's flagship Velocity incubator, developed a tiny camera that provides real-time, full-colour views of blood vessels in the brain. This breakthrough allowed doctors to diagnose and treat stroke patients in just one-hour, revolutionizing stroke diagnosis and intervention.
Meet the students who broke the vending machine story
A group of Waterloo students uncovered privacy concerns involving hidden cameras and data collection in campus vending machines. Their investigation gained international attention and sparked discussions about surveillance and consumer privacy in the tech industry.
Four Waterloo-founded startups earn $2 million seed funding
Four startups, Attunement, Blacksmith, Datacurve and DraftAid, secured $2 million each in seed funding through Y Combinator. These ventures, led by Waterloo students and alumni, use AI to innovate in mental health care, serverless computing, language models and computer assisted design manufacturing - highlighting the University's diverse entrepreneurial strengths.
Waterloo Math's 'Hidden Figure'
Marian Forster, one of the first female math students at the University, played a key role in Wes Graham's computing group. Despite facing societal barriers, she contributed significantly to early computing efforts but remained largely unrecognized. Forster later enjoyed a diverse career, advocating for empathy in STEM.
Celebrating Waterloo's Class of 2024 valedictorians
Thirteen exceptional students were selected as 2024 valedictorians, sharing their journeys marked by resilience, innovation and leadership. They reflect on their academic experiences, from co-op programs and research to extracurricular involvement, as they prepare for future careers in industries such as engineering, healthcare, finance and environmental science.
10 inventions you didn't know came from Waterloo
Waterloo's innovative community has produced inventions like wind turbine de-icing systems, AI optimization tools, sustainable nanocoatings and advanced medical imaging devices. These breakthroughs demonstrate the University's commitment to interdisciplinary research, fostering impactful solutions for global challenges across various fields.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin visits Waterloo
Vitalik Buterin, co-creator of Ethereum and former Waterloo student, visited campus to discuss blockchain, cryptocurrency and innovation. He emphasized aligning shared values in technological ventures and encouraged students to focus on long-term impact rather than quick profits, inspiring future blockchain developers at a University-hosted bootcamp.
University of Waterloo selected as site for new regional hospital
The University of Waterloo will host a new regional hospital as part of the merger of Grand River and St. Mary's hospitals. Located on the University's North Campus, the facility will foster health-care innovation, strengthen community ties and expand access to services. This collaboration will enhance research, technology and experiential learning in health care.
Another Franklin expedition crew member has been identified
Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Lakehead University identified the remains of James Fitzjames, a senior officer from the 1845 Franklin expedition, using DNA from a living descendant. Fitzjames' mandible showed evidence of cannibalism, shedding light on the expedition's desperate final days.
No more needles! Tracking blood sugar on your wrist
Waterloo engineers have developed a non-invasive wearable device that uses miniaturized radar technology to monitor glucose levels, eliminating the need for needles. This breakthrough improves accuracy, reduces pain and enhances quality of life for diabetics, with clinical trials underway and plans to integrate the tech into future wearables.
Study reveals Olympic Winter Games' climate crisis
A study led by Dr. Daniel Scott from the Faculty of Environment highlights the growing threat climate change poses to the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Commissioned by the International Olympic Committee, the research underscores the need for urgent climate action and adaptation strategies to safeguard winter sports and their legacy.
University of Waterloo's Innovation Arena opens its doors
The University of Waterloo's Innovation Arena, a 90,000-square-foot facility in Kitchener, accelerates health tech and entrepreneurship with Velocity incubator, advanced labs, and partnerships like CareNext. Backed by government and philanthropic funding, it strengthens Waterloo Region's health sector, driving innovation, commercialization, and economic growth in Southwestern Ontario.
As these stories demonstrate, Waterloo continues to lead in innovation, research and entrepreneurial spirit. Our community's unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges is shaping the future, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.
In 2025, Waterloo will host the THE Digital Health Summit, where leaders in health technology, research and entrepreneurship will gather to explore the future of digital health solutions. Join us as we redefine the boundaries of innovation, advancing breakthroughs that will shape our global future.
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