From quantum computing advancements to medtech breakthroughs, our local tech community continues to put Waterloo Region on the global innovation map. But while we’re making waves across the world, we haven’t gotten together to celebrate in a while.
That’s changing this month with the launch of the inaugural Waterloo Tech Week, taking place from September 8 to September 11. The spiritual successor to Geek Week WR (if you know, you know), Waterloo Tech Week is a decentralized celebration of meetups, panels, and community-driven events across Waterloo and Kitchener.
Whether you’re a business leader, founder, student, or simply curious about innovation in the region, Waterloo Tech Week is your chance to connect with the people and ideas shaping one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems.
BitBakery’s top 5 Waterloo Tech Week events
A lot is happening during Waterloo Tech Week, but don’t let analysis paralysis hold you back. Here’s our top 5 events to check out at Waterloo Tech Week:
1. The Future of Software: Engineering in the Age of AI
Monday, September 8 | 6 PM | Communitech
We’ve discussed how AI is transforming software development, so this event is right up our alley. Advait Maybhate, an engineer at Warp, will discuss how the role of engineers is evolving from writing code line-by-line to guiding, verifying, and shaping AI-generated code.
Register here.
2. Innovation Open House
Tuesday, September 9 | 4 PM | Fed Hall, UW
Curious about innovation and entrepreneurship on campus? The Innovation Open House is your chance to meet the people and programs shaping Waterloo’s next big ideas. Students can connect with representatives from Velocity, Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, GreenHouse, Grebel Peace Incubator, the Future Cities Institute, and more—all in one place. This is a student-only event.
3. 404 Ethics Not Found
Wednesday, September 10 | 5:30 PM | Accelerator Centre
404 Ethics Not Found flips the script on traditional panels with an interactive, youth-led conversation about building ethical AI for learning and well-being. Expect lively debates from student voices, candid conversations with educators and innovators, and an opportunity to reflect on how to “delete bias and install guidance” in the next generation of technology.
4. Small Ideas: Live Beta
Thursday, September 11 |11:30 AM | Tannery Event Centre
Big things start small. Small Ideas is a fast-paced, 30-minute live-audience show that shines a spotlight on Canada’s brightest new ideas before they get big. At this special Live Beta event, you’ll help shape the show itself by giving real-time feedback that will influence its first full episode later this fall.
5. Tech Connect Mixer
Thursday, September 11 | 6 PM | Green Space near Accelerator Centre
Wrap up Waterloo Tech Week with the Tech Connect Mixer. The event brings together founders, innovators, and ecosystem builders for an evening of relaxed networking and honest conversation. Expect local food and drinks, plenty of fresh ideas, and the chance to meet future collaborators shaping the future of Canadian tech.
With events hosted by startups, researchers, community groups, and local organizations, the week offers something for everyone. You’ll find networking dinners, fireside chats with industry leaders, workshops on emerging technologies, and plenty of socials to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Check out the full schedule at waterlootechweek.ca to start planning your week.
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