BlackBerry and the University of Waterloo have announced a five-year, multi-million dollar partnership agreement focused on driving research-powered innovation in Canada.
Combining the university’s world-renowned research and BlackBerry’s ability to deliver transformational products and services, the two organizations will work together in a unique program designed to fast-track the development of research and technology into market-ready products.
BlackBerry’s Advanced Technology Development Labs group, a team of over 120 software developers, architects, researchers and security experts, will work with the university towards the common goal of identifying, exploring and creating ground-breaking technologies.
The primary focus will be to develop and conduct research projects – beginning with the University’s Faculties of Mathematics, Engineering and Science, in conjunction with the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute and the Waterloo Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute – to refine BlackBerry’s product ideas through prototyping and R&D challenges.
“We are delighted to work with BlackBerry in the coming years to tackle disruptive, global challenges,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “This agreement is an important milestone in our long-standing partnership, and further cements the university’s unique position at the heart of a critical innovation community-where talent, world-class research and entrepreneurial spirit come together to connect ideas and impact.”
