Shopify CEO and co-founder Tobias Lütke highlighted the exceptional talent coming out of the University of Waterloo during a recent fireside chat hosted by the university’s Faculty of Engineering.
Speaking with University of Waterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel, Lütke said Shopify hires approximately 40 per cent of its interns from Waterloo, citing the university’s standout co-op students.
“Waterloo offers a different tier of talent,” said Lütke, adding that the school’s co-op program produces students who are recognized not only across Canada, but by tech executives in Silicon Valley.
The University of Waterloo’s co-operative education program plays a critical role in the region’s innovation economy. With over 8,000 employers hiring across disciplines, the program connects students with real-world industry challenges early in their careers—accelerating the development of technologies with broad industry impact.
“In Canada, we have the talent and work ethic to build and thrive,” Lütke said during the conversation, which emphasized the importance of nurturing domestic tech talent.
Shopify, which continues to expand its engineering and data capabilities, is currently recruiting for its next cohort of interns. Applications for the company’s Fall 2025 Engineering & Data Internships open on April 7th, with placements running from September 2 to December 19, 2025.
The program is open to all applicants, offering the opportunity to help shape the future of commerce for entrepreneurs around the world.