He’s been to outer space and was the commander of the international space station, but now Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will go on a different journey.
A new documentary called It Started in Waterloo: An Astronaut’s Journey into the Universe of Innovation will explore how Waterloo Region has become a global hub for innovation. This includes the early days of Research In Motion and Blackberry, to advancements in quantum computing and health care.
“As an astronaut, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation shapes our world,” said Hadfield in a statement. “Waterloo’s approach to discovery and invention is completely unique, how they nurture ideas, refine and launch them onto the global stage. In this documentary, we shine a light on that process and the people behind it.”
Hadfield is also a former adjunct professor at UW and a current honorary advisor for the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.
One of the big focuses of the documentary will be on the discoveries made at the University of Waterloo. In a statement, the university says they have been named Canada’s top comprehensive research university for the 18th year in a row by Research Infosource Inc.
“Innovation is more than technology, it’s a cultural expression of human creativity,” said Craig Thompson, the documentary’s executive producer. “Waterloo’s breakthroughs came from local engineers, designers, artists, entrepreneurs and students working at the intersection of imagination and problem-solving.”
The documentary is being produced by Ballinran Entertainment, in conjunction with the University of Waterloo, and has been commissioned by YES TV in association with Stageview TV.
It is set to premiere in 2027.
