Guelph ON, 22 May 2025 – Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine is expanding its national network by welcoming University of Waterloo Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) as a Knowledge and Development partner. Through the new partnership, Bioenterprise Canada and Waterloo will encourage collaborations to advance agri-tech innovation, commercialization and student experiential learning.
“Co-op students from Waterloo are known for technical skills, which are essential to the future of food and agri-tech and we need more connections to the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and workers to encourage them to consider careers in our sector,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “We are excited to bring Waterloo’s world-leading expertise in leveraging student talent and developing experiential learning opportunities for students to The Engine’s members across Canada.”
Waterloo is home to the world’s largest co-op program of its kind, with more than 26,000 students across 120+ programs and partnerships with over 8,000 employers across Canada and around the world from a wide range of industries. Students enrolled in a co-op program bring hands-on experience and future-ready skills to their job placements, and Waterloo supports both students and employers through the year-round hiring process.
“Leveraging emerging talent is an affordable way to boost productivity, scale your workforce and support business growth, ” says Alyssa Kuron, Industry Strategist at CEE. “With innovative mindsets and a passion to make an impact, Waterloo co-op students have in-demand skills and experience to contribute from day one. Our dedicated team of experts supports employers every step of the way, from attracting the right students to securing funding and supporting throughout each work term.”
The new partnership will help CEE expand opportunities for its students across all aspects of the agri-food sector while helping startups and growing businesses supported by Bioenterprise Canada access talent quickly and affordably.
About Bioenterprise Canada
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine. As the country’s national agri-technology focused commercialization accelerator, Bioenterprise uses its 20 years of industry experience and its national and international network of experts, mentors, funders, advisors, researchers, government and industry partners to help small and medium-sized agri-food businesses connect, innovate and grow.
About University of Waterloo Co-operative and Experiential Education
The University of Waterloo has been ranked as Canada’s most innovative university for 30 years and is globally recognized as being the best in helping organizations leverage student talent. More than 26,000 students from over 120 programs are available for four- to eight-month work terms, offering a unique combination of academic learning, work experience and next-generation mindset.
For more information: Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Canada, dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca
Alyssa Kuron, University of Waterloo Co-Operative and Experiential Education, alyssa.kuron@uwaterloo.ca