This past Monday, December 19, 2016, Blackberry QNX made international headlines by announcing the opening of the Blackberry QNX Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Centre (AVIC). This research facility for autonomous vehicles will not only create hundreds of jobs in Ottawa, but also further establish the Nation’s Capital as a key hub for technology and innovation in not only North America, but the world.
Once referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Blackberry” by Blackberry CEO John Chen, QNX is the platform of choice for more than 20 different automakers. This major shift for Blackberry to the work that is being done by QNX here in Ottawa is validation of the cluster of expertise that exists in this city.
John Chen was joined in the announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who gave a nod to Ottawa’s thriving technology ecosystem:
“This centre is more than a hub for research and innovation in the automotive sector. Indeed, it stands as a testament to a deeply entrenched culture of innovation here in our Nation’s Capital.”
From software integration to embedded sensors and fleet management to machine vision, Ottawa companies have leading edge technologies that can accelerate the advancement for connected car and autonomous vehicle development.
It is fitting that, as a result, the city is also supporting on a connected car testbed that includes 5G pre-commercial technology project that brings together Kanata North BIA, CAVCOE, CENGN, KRP, Wesley Clover, as well as Invest Ottawa.
“With the opening of its innovation center in Ottawa, BlackBerry is helping to establish our country as the global leader in software and security for connected car and autonomous vehicle development,” said Trudeau.
As recognized by Blackberry and the Prime Minister of Canada, the demonstrated leadership in automotive software in Ottawa will enable Canada to dominate the market for embedded intelligence in the cars of the future.
It goes without saying that Ottawa is truly Canada’s centre of excellence for connected car and autonomous vehicle technology.
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