The Shah Family Foundation is proud to celebrate Kris Shah and Frank Baylis, who received honorary Doctor of Engineering degrees from the University of Waterloo on October 24, 2026.
The honour marked a remarkable full-circle moment for the longtime friends and business partners, whose journey together began more than four decades ago as Waterloo Engineering students.
Both Baylis and Shah graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1986 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering. The classmates first met during their first Waterloo Engineering co-op term. Several months later, they began discussing their shared ambition to become self-employed and start a business together.
That early conversation would go on to shape their professional lives and establish a partnership that has spanned decades.
Together, Kris and Frank built Baylis Medical into a leading Canadian medical technology company, developing innovative solutions to address unmet clinical needs. Their entrepreneurial vision helped advance minimally invasive medical technologies, create opportunities for Canadian talent, and improve the lives of patients around the world.
A significant milestone came in 2022, when Baylis Medical's cardiology business was acquired by Boston Scientific for US$1.75 billion, reflecting the global reach and impact of the innovative technologies they helped bring to market.
Their journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of Waterloo Engineering: bringing together technical knowledge, innovation, and a willingness to turn ideas into action. What began as a shared ambition between two engineering students grew into a Canadian entrepreneurial success story with an impact extending far beyond Canada’s borders.
Their commitment to creating opportunity has also extended into their philanthropic work. Through the Shah Family Foundation, Kris supports initiatives across education, healthcare, and community development, with a focus on helping individuals and communities access opportunities and resources that can create lasting impact.
Frank's philanthropic efforts are carried forward through the Gloria Baylis Foundation, which supports initiatives that strengthen health and well-being, education and development opportunities, and communities. Through the Foundation, Frank has continued his commitment to giving back and supporting organizations working to create meaningful change.
Receiving honorary degrees from the university where their journey began made the occasion particularly meaningful. Forty years after graduating from Waterloo Engineering, Kris and Frank returned to campus not only as alumni, but as honorary Doctor of Engineering graduates, a fitting recognition of their achievements in engineering, entrepreneurship, medical innovation, and philanthropy that followed their time at Waterloo.
The Shah Family Foundation extends its warmest congratulations to Kris and Frank on this significant honour and celebrates this special milestone in their remarkable journey from Waterloo classmates to lifelong friends, business partners, and leaders in Canadian medical innovation and philanthropy.
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