Key sectors and employers
Learn about Waterloo’s major industries, leading employers and the research and innovation assets that support them.
On this page:
Technology and innovation
Waterloo is one of Canada’s top tech ecosystems, with strengths in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity and fintech. Companies can grow from startup to scaleup with support from a strong research and commercialization network.
Waterloo is home to leading technology employers including OpenText, BlackBerry, Arctic Wolf, Faire and SAP.
Calculate the total cost of talent in Waterloo compared to other cities in North America.
Technology sub-sectors
Technology support ecosystem
Waterloo’s vibrant tech ecosystem is powered by a high concentration of world-class accelerators and incubators, offering startups exceptional mentorship, cutting-edge resources, and a proven launchpad for rapid growth.
Advanced manufacturing
Waterloo anchors Canada’s largest advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation clusters. 1,400 companies in this sector include automotive and EV, advanced materials, aerospace, robotics and automation, and food processing.
Waterloo is home to leading manufacturers including ATS Automation, Teledyne Dalsa, Mitchell Plastics and Fischer.
Advanced manufacturing sub-sectors
Manufacturing support ecosystem
Waterloo’s manufacturing sector is powered by a number of research and innovation centres supporting innovation and building the future in Waterloo.
Fintech and insurance
Waterloo sits in the Toronto–Waterloo Corridor — North America’s #3 financial hub and one of Canada’s strongest fintech and insurance communities. Global financial institutions and high-growth companies benefit from deep finance, accounting, actuarial science and cybersecurity talent grown in Waterloo through our post-secondary institutions.
Waterloo is home to head offices including Economical Insurance, Equitable Life of Canada, Manulife Financial, Sun Life Financial and OTIP RAEO. Together, these and other insurance companies employ about 8,500 people in our community and have rich histories in the region dating back to the 1870s.
Fintech and insurance support ecosystem
Health and medtech
A growing health innovation ecosystem helping to improve healthcare around the world. Waterloo’s health and Medtech sector is growing quickly, with strengths in digital health, imaging, sensors, wearables AI, and medical devices. New lab space, startup supports and clinical partnerships help companies move products from prototype to market.
Leading medical technology companies based in Waterloo include AGFA HealthCare, Canon Medical, Spectramedx and NDI, Northern Digital Inc.
Health and medtech support ecosystem
The emerging health and medtech ecosystem benefits from a number of supports that can guide businesses from idea to innovation.
Creative industries
A vibrant economy with strengths in design, media, culture and content production — powered by strong talent pipelines and a community built for collaboration.
Waterloo’s creative sector thrives at the intersection of culture and technology. Anchored by world-class institutions and an entrepreneurial mindset, Waterloo supports creators across digital media, design, performance, gaming, communications and more. Companies benefit from a highly skilled talent pipeline, access to cutting-edge tech, and a community built for cross-disciplinary collaboration. It’s a place where creative ideas scale into global impact.
- Waterloo’s talent pipeline spans 100+ industry-related programs across the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College, producing ~8,000 creative-industry graduates each year ready for digital media, design, music, communications and game development.
- A proven cluster ranked #3 among mid-size creative hubs in North America (2023), signalling real depth and momentum for investors.
- Deep ties to a top Canadian tech ecosystem put XR, AI-driven media, gaming, digital production and interactive design within reach – so creative ideas move from concept to market fast.
- Competitive space costs, high quality of life and Toronto–Waterloo Corridor connectivity keep clients, markets and national talent within easy reach.
- Industry supports are close at hand – incubators, coworking studios, funding programs and cross-sector innovation networks – giving teams space to prototype, collaborate and scale.
- A vibrant cultural scene – 80+ festivals and events, galleries, venues and maker spaces – helps retain talent, with at least 2,500 people employed in arts and creative industries (ACI) fields.
- A growing cluster of creative companies spanning advertising, design, film, animation, gaming, architecture, content creation and cultural organizations, including anchors like the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery.
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