Innovation is a large part of the culture at the University of Waterloo. Across campus, there are many opportunities for students to innovate, create, and launch their entrepreneurial ideas.
On Jan. 13, Velocity held an Innovation Ecosystem Mixer, bringing together students to connect with various on-campus entrepreneurship resources. GreenHouse, Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, Map the System, Grebel Peace Incubator, the library, and several Velocity program experts were present at the event.
“At Velocity, we’re really looking to build a community, to attract students from all programs and faculties to be a part of our community,” said Tina Wilton, Entrepreneurship Experience Manager at Velocity. “We started this mixer as a way for students to learn more about what we do and also what our ecosystem partners do. Also, as a way to meet friends and get an introduction to all things Velocity.”
Over 150 undergrad and graduate students attended the mixer. Some were working on their own entrepreneurial ideas, and others just starting their journey.
“I really enjoy the ecosystem of entrepreneurship that Waterloo offers and how everyone here is committed to making an impact and making a difference. That’s why I come to these events,” said Osose Itua, a fourth-year Mechatronics Engineering student developing her own start-up.
At Velocity, students can find software and hardware support in the Velocity Digital workshop space in SCH, a lab dedicated to developing science-based ideas. Velocity’s campus ecosystem partners offer a range of support for students interested in pursuing social ventures, and business-focused ideas — if you can dream it, you can innovate it.
“The Grebel Peace Incubator is a community of like-minded people who want to make change in the world, support one another, and explore ideas that help bring peace,” said Teresa Edge, Coordinator at the Centre for Peace Advancement. “Whether that’s with technology or with people here or overseas, come talk to us if you’re interested!”
The innovation ecosystem on campus has several upcoming events. If you are looking for a network of innovators and a place to work on your ideas, connect with the innovation ecosystem on campus to get started.
