Ericsson Canada and the Government of Canada are launching a first-of-its-kind mission-critical wireless innovation initiative in collaboration with Area X.O, positioning Ottawa-Gatineau at the forefront of next-generation 5G innovation.
May 26, 2026, Ottawa, ON – Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem scored a landmark win today.
Ericsson Canada announced a partnership with the Government of Canada to establish the Advanced Wireless Communications Innovation Network (AWIN), a first-of-its-kind 5G platform designed to advance public safety, security, defence, and mission-critical communications through next-generation wireless technology.
The initiative will launch in collaboration with Area X.O, the research and development complex operated by Invest Ottawa, helping to accelerate time-to-market and commercial adoption of next-gen technologies.
AWIN is designed to support long-term collaboration across Canada’s public safety, security, research, innovation, and technology ecosystems. For Ottawa’s tech and innovation community, the announcement marks a significant milestone.
“This partnership marks an important step forward in applying advanced wireless technology to strengthen Canada’s national security and resilience,” said Nishant Grover, President, Ericsson Canada, in the company’s release. “Through AWIN, we’re bringing Ericsson’s global leadership in mission-critical networks to the people and organizations who protect Canadians every day – helping them innovate, connect, and respond faster when it matters most.”
Building Canada’s Next Generation Wireless Innovation Environment
AWIN will combine Ericsson’s advanced network technologies with Area X.O., Canada’s leading innovation and testing environment for connected and autonomous technologies, to create a secure platform where the Department of National Defence, government departments, Indigenous organizations, first responders, Canadian enterprises, and academic institutions can develop and test future wireless applications.
The initiative will enable real-world trials designed to strengthen critical infrastructure resilience, improve interoperability across agencies, and support innovation in public safety, security, and defence-related sectors. As part of the initiative, Ericsson will also provide access to 5G-enabled connectivity solutions that help first responders improve communication, coordination, and emergency response capabilities in real-world conditions.
What AWIN Means for Ottawa’s Ecosystem
The launch of AWIN in collaboration with Area X.O. reflects Ottawa’s unique strengths. Few places in the world can offer the combination of a trusted federal partner, a purpose-built innovation campus, deep telecommunications and cybersecurity expertise, and proximity to Canada’s national security and public safety institutions, all within the same city.
AWIN will give Canadian innovators, startups, scale-ups, researchers, and enterprises access to a secure, live 5G environment where they can develop and test next-generation wireless technologies in real-world conditions.
The platform will accelerate innovation in areas including AI-enabled communications, connected systems, emergency response technologies, IoT applications, and resilient communications infrastructure.
- Read the full release on the Ericsson Canada website.
- To learn more about Area X.O. and Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem, visit areaxo.com and dihub.ca.
Shoebox enables hearing care around the world. It creates, sells, and supports products that help clinicians identify hearing loss. The maker of Shoebox, Clearwater Clinical, hit a huge milestone in 2018 when they entered a strategic partnership with international hearing device company 
Transforming our data-driven world takes talent, and MindBridge is where it’s happening. This is where you’ll take artificial intelligence to enable and inspire humans to do more and be better. Our people, our customers, and our investors agree: No one else is accomplishing what we’re doing with data-driven AI right now. 
Tehama is enabling the digital workplace of the future. 150 companies are using Tehama. 600,000+ hours of IT services delivered. Zero breaches. The company’s head office is in the heart of the highly desirable Westboro neighborhood of Ottawa where you have your pick of the best of Ottawa’s cafes, restaurants and shops. Prefer to work from home? Tehama offers remote working options and flexible core hours. Join a team of the best and brightest and enjoy competitive salaries, benefits and a commitment to YOUR long-term success. 
Spartan Bioscience aspires to unleash the power of DNA testing for everyone. Like the Spartan warriors of Ancient Greece, our smart, hard-working, and honorable team members get things done. Learn