Mike Lazaridis

$1.90 B

Ranked #651 in World

About Mike Lazaridis

Mihal "Mike" Lazaridis, a prominent Canadian businessman renowned for co-founding BlackBerry and investing in quantum computing technologies, has made significant contributions to the tech and academic fields. Born to Pontic Greek parents in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 14, 1961, Lazaridis moved to Canada at age 5. His early passion for science led him to drop out of the University of Waterloo in 1984 to start Research In Motion (RIM), which launched the revolutionary BlackBerry device in 1999. Beyond his business endeavors, Lazaridis has heavily invested in quantum information science, founding both the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Institute for Quantum Computing. His philanthropic efforts include donations exceeding $290 million to various institutions. Lazaridis, an Officer of the Order of Canada, has been recognized with numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Waterloo and an Academy Award for his technical achievements.

Born

March 14, 1961 in Istanbul, Turkey

Age

65 years

Source Of Wealth

Research In Motion

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

Canada

Residence

Waterloo

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, University of Waterloo

Mihal "Mike" Lazaridis was born on March 14, 1961, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Pontic Greek parents. At the age of 5, his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Windsor, Ontario. Lazaridis displayed a remarkable passion for reading from a young age. His intellectual curiosity led him to read every science book at the Windsor Public Library, earning him a prize for his accomplishment at the age of 12.

Mike Lazaridis: Family

Lazaridis comes from a family of Pontic Greek heritage. His parents, who were originally from Turkey, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for education. Lazaridis' family played a significant role in shaping his early interests and aspirations.

Mike Lazaridis: Career Highlights

In 1979, Lazaridis enrolled in electrical engineering with an option in computer science at the University of Waterloo. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to drop out of university in 1984 to co-found Research In Motion (RIM) with Mike Barnstijn and Douglas Fregin. RIM initially focused on developing barcode technology for the film industry. In 1999, the company introduced the groundbreaking BlackBerry wireless mobile device, revolutionizing the way people communicated and accessed information.

Lazaridis served in various leadership positions at BlackBerry, including co-chairman and co-CEO from 1984 to 2012. Under his guidance, RIM achieved remarkable success and became a global leader in the mobile device industry.

Mike Lazaridis: Companies

Lazaridis co-founded Research In Motion (RIM) in 1984, which later became known as BlackBerry. He also co-founded Quantum Valley Investments in 2013 to support advancements in quantum information science.

Mike Lazaridis: Major Achievements

Lazaridis' major achievements include the development of barcode technology for the film industry and the introduction of the BlackBerry wireless mobile device. These innovations significantly impacted the way people communicate and access information. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in 1999 and the Institute for Quantum Computing in 2002, demonstrating his commitment to scientific research and innovation.

Mike Lazaridis: Awards & Achievements

Lazaridis has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an honorary doctor of engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in 1999, the Chancellor of the University of Waterloo from 2003 to 2011, and being listed on Maclean's Honour Roll as a distinguished Canadian in 2000.

He was also named Canada's Nation Builder of the Year for 2002 by readers of The Globe and Mail newspaper. In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario. Lazaridis was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014 and received an Academy Award in 1999 and an Emmy in 1994 for technical achievements related to barcode reader creation.

Mike Lazaridis: Personal Life & Legacy

Lazaridis is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of scientific research and education. He has made significant donations to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Lazaridis' legacy is one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological progress.

Mike Lazaridis: Trivia

Lazaridis is an avid sports fan and has served as the co-owner of the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats since 2003. He is also a passionate advocate for science education and has established several initiatives to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 14, 1961

Mihal "Mike" Lazaridis was born in Istanbul, Turkey.

1966

Moved to Canada at age 5 and settled in Windsor, Ontario.

1973

Won a prize at the Windsor Public Library for reading every science book at age 12.

1979

Enrolled in electrical engineering with an option in computer science at the University of Waterloo.

1984

Dropped out of university to launch Research In Motion (RIM) with Mike Barnstijn and Douglas Fregin.

1999

RIM introduced the BlackBerry wireless mobile device.

1999

Founded the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

2002

Founded the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.

2003

Became Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.

2006

Made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario.

2011

Stepped down as Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.

2012

Stepped down as co-chairman and co-CEO of BlackBerry.

2013

Co-founded Quantum Valley Investments.

2014

Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Mike Lazaridis : FAQs

What is Mike Lazaridis's net worth?

As of 2011, Mike Lazaridis's net worth was $1.90 billion.

What are Mike Lazaridis's main sources of wealth?

Mike Lazaridis's main source of income comes from Research In Motion.

In which industry does Mike Lazaridis primarily operate?

Mike Lazaridis is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Mike Lazaridis educational background?

Mike Lazaridis holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from the University of Waterloo.

How old is Mike Lazaridis?

Mike Lazaridis is 65 years old.

Who is Mihal 'Mike' Lazaridis and what is he known for?

Mihal 'Mike' Lazaridis is a Canadian businessman, investor in quantum computing technologies, and the co-founder of BlackBerry. He is renowned for his contributions to the tech industry, particularly for developing the BlackBerry wireless mobile device and his investments in quantum computing through Quantum Valley Investments.

What significant contributions has Mike Lazaridis made to quantum computing and education?

Mike Lazaridis co-founded Quantum Valley Investments to support quantum information science breakthroughs and established two major institutions: the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in 1999 and the Institute for Quantum Computing in 2002, significantly contributing to research and education in quantum computing.

How has Mike Lazaridis impacted philanthropy in education and research?

Mike Lazaridis has donated over $170 million to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, more than $100 million to the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, and $20 million to Wilfrid Laurier University for the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, showcasing his commitment to advancing education and research.

What are some of the major awards and honors received by Mike Lazaridis?

Mike Lazaridis has received numerous awards, including an honorary doctor of engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, being named Canada's Nation Builder of the Year in 2002, made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario in 2006, and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014. He also received an Academy Award and an Emmy for technical achievements.

What is the background and early life of Mike Lazaridis?

Born on March 14, 1961, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Pontic Greek parents, Mike Lazaridis moved to Canada at age 5. He showed an early interest in science, winning a prize at age 12 for reading every science book at the Windsor Public Library. He enrolled in electrical engineering with an option in computer science at the University of Waterloo in 1979 but dropped out to launch Research In Motion (RIM).