A 1984 contract with General Motors prompted Mike Lazaridis to abandon his electrical engineering studies at the University of Waterloo just months before his scheduled graduation. This decision catalyzed the formation of Research in Motion, the company that would go on to develop the BlackBerry wireless mobile device, effectively reshaping global communication through mobile data transmission.
Early Development and RIM
Born in Istanbul in 1961, Lazaridis moved to Windsor, Ontario, with his family at age five. After enrolling at the University of Waterloo in 1979, he applied his technical background to secure a GM contract for a computer control display system. Partnering with Mike Barnstijn and Douglas Fregin, he launched Research in Motion using this contract, a government grant, and family funds. While early commercial success arrived through award-winning barcode technology designed for the film industry, the company redirected these revenues into wireless data research.
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The research conducted at RIM culminated in the 1999 introduction of the BlackBerry, followed by improved versions in 2002. Lazaridis held various executive roles at the firm from 1984 through 2012, including co-CEO and co-chair. His technical contributions were recognized with an Emmy in 1994 and an Academy Award in 1999 for high-speed barcode reading technology. He also served as the chancellor of the University of Waterloo, a position he accepted in 2003.
Investment in Quantum Science
Transitioning from consumer electronics to academic research, Lazaridis became a primary benefactor for theoretical physics. In 1999, he provided CA$100 million to establish the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he served as board chair. He later founded the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. In 2013, he partnered with Douglas Fregin to launch Quantum Valley Investments, focusing on the commercialization of breakthroughs in quantum information science.
Civic Recognition
Lazaridis has received numerous honors throughout his career. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006 and a member of the Order of Ontario. His academic contributions led to honorary degrees from the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, and Laval University. In 2014, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts include a 2015 donation to Wilfrid Laurier University and a 2018 contribution to the Stratford Festival.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 March 1961, Istanbul
- Citizenship: Canada
- Education: University of Waterloo
- Co-founder: Research in Motion, Quantum Valley Investments
- Emmy Award: 1994
- Academy Award: 1999
- Officer of the Order of Canada: 2006
- Fellow of the Royal Society: 2014
Questions readers ask
Did Mike Lazaridis finish his university degree?
No, he left the University of Waterloo in 1984, two months before his scheduled graduation, to pursue a commercial opportunity with General Motors.
What is his current focus in the technology sector?
Since 2013, he has focused on providing capital for the development and commercialization of quantum information science through his firm, Quantum Valley Investments.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Waterloo
- Worked as businessperson and electrical engineer
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