Inaugural Jain Family Award for Entrepreneurship Announced

Two research teams have received the first two $5,000 Jain Family Award for Entrepreneurship instalments, a defined term award, designated to University of Waterloo students working with Velocity.  

The 2022 recipients are innovating to better the lives of spinal patients and making important advancements in flood risk mapping.  

Mechano-metamaterial spinal implants is creating an artificial disc replacement for patients with degenerated or damaged spinal discs to regain movement. The new technology uses specialized materials that offer customization, support and mobility.

Researchers Jonah Leinwand, a 3B undergraduate biomedical engineering student, and Stewart McLachlin, assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering, have been collaborating and working on this idea for several of Leinwand’s co-terms.  

Blackbird is developing a new method and software for hydraulic modelling to offer real-time flood mapping and forecasting. The software can be used during routine floodplain mapping updates, engineering studies, and flood forecast and emergency responses — shedding the burden of current models which in some cases were developed decades ago. Using Blackbird’s tech, emergency responders will be better able to respond to acute events and municipalities can increase flood resiliency in city planning.

Researchers Robert Chlumsky, PhD candidate, and professors Dr. James Craig and Dr. Bryan Tolson, all in the Faculty of Engineering, met during Chlumsky’s undergraduate studies nearly a decade ago.  

Over the next ten years, two $5,000 awards will be presented each winter term.

Check out Velocity's various programs and funding opportunities!