Ottawa has long been known for its reputation as a government city. But the capital has grown and evolved into something much larger, bolder and more innovative.   

While it’s true that public sector innovation still plays a foundational role, Ottawa’s private tech sector is thriving, offering a wealth of opportunities for professionals looking to build careers outside the government sphere. 

This blog explores the evolution of Ottawa’s tech industry, compares career paths across public and private sectors, and highlights the ecosystems helping companies and talent grow. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Ottawa just a government city for tech?”, it’s time to take a closer look. 

---

Ottawa Tech Industry Breakdown 

Ottawa’s tech landscape is broad, layered, and increasingly led by private enterprise. The ecosystem includes: 

• Federal tech and R&D roles, including those at Shared Services Canada, National Research Council (NRC), and the Canadian Digital Service 
• Startups and scaleups like Assent, Solink, and Fullscript 
• Mid-sized and multinational firms like Nokia, Ericsson, SurveyMonkey, and Fidus Systems
• Incubators and innovation hubs such as Bayview Yards and Area X.O 

With over 1,800 tech companies and more than 88,000 workers in the sector, Ottawa has the highest concentration of tech talent in North America, tied with San Francisco’s Bay Area. The city also has one of the highest tech job growth rates between 2017-2023 (CBRE, 2024). 

Startup vs. Government Tech in Ottawa 

Working in a startup or private firm offers a very different experience than joining a government-adjacent tech team. Here’s how they compare: 

Aspect	Startup/Private Sector	Government Tech Roles
Culture	Agile, high-growth, entrepreneurial	Structured, policy-driven, stable
Innovation	Product-focused, risk-tolerant	Systems modernization, infrastructure projects
Career Growth	Rapid advancement, skill variety	Longer timelines, strong pensions and security
Examples	Assent, Solink, Fullscript, MindBridge	Shared Services Canada, NRC, Treasury Board tech teams

Solink is growing globally with its AI-driven video surveillance platform, while Assent is a leader in ESG and supply chain compliance software. Both firms are hiring across engineering, customer success, and operations. 

Meanwhile, government-linked agencies are pushing forward in digital transformation and service delivery modernization, offering roles in cybersecurity, cloud migration, and accessibility compliance. For example, the National Research Council (NRC) and the Department of National Defence (DND) continue to expand their digital teams to support innovation across Canada’s public sector. 

Comparing Tech Careers in Ottawa 

There’s no one-size-fits-all tech path in Ottawa. Your ideal environment depends on your career goals, personality, and the kind of impact you want to make. 

Private Sector Roles 

• Product managers, UX designers, full-stack developers, DevOps engineers, data scientists 
• Ideal for professionals who want to scale products quickly, work in cross-functional teams, or explore emerging technologies 

Public Sector Roles 

• Cloud architects, cybersecurity analysts, accessibility compliance, digital policy consultants 
• Best suited for those who value service delivery, governance, and long-term systems improvement 

Where Innovation Happens 

• Private sector firms tend to move faster and experiment more aggressively 
• Government tech projects are increasingly focused on modernization and impact at the national scale 

If you’re still exploring which path aligns best with your goals, this career resources guide offers helpful insights for navigating Ottawa’s tech landscape. 

The Rise of Private Sector Tech Growth in Ottawa 

Ottawa’s private tech scene is experiencing sustained momentum. In the past decade, Invest Ottawa has helped create over 14,700 jobs and attract more than $1.47 billion in investment into the local economy (Invest Ottawa). 

High-Growth Areas 

• Software: Shopify, Adobe 
• Telecom: Ciena, Ericsson, Nokia 
• Aerospace & Defence: Thales, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada 
• Semiconductor: Synopsys, Lumentum 
• Cybersecurity: Entrust, Fortinet 

These companies are scaling fast, hiring for technical and non-technical roles, and reaching markets well beyond Canada. 

Private firms also tend to be export-focused, helping Ottawa play a bigger role on the global tech stage. 

Tech Ecosystem Insights—Why It’s More Than Just Government 

Ottawa’s innovative ecosystem goes well beyond government programs. The city is home to a network of organizations, institutions, and community groups that support private tech development at every stage. 

Incubators and Accelerators 

• Invest Ottawa provides advisory services, funding connections, and scale-up support 
• Bayview Yards hosts early-stage startups and regular networking events 
• Area X.O powers R&D in connected and autonomous vehicles, cleantech, and IoT 

Academic-Private Collaborations 

Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions actively engage with industry partners to foster innovation, provide practical experience, and address workforce needs: 

• University of Ottawa: Offers co-op programs across various disciplines, including engineering and computer science, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with industry partners. The university also collaborates with companies on applied research projects in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. 
• Carleton University: Through its Co-operative Education program, Carleton connects students with employers in sectors such as information technology, engineering, and public policy. The university’s Trustworthy AI Lab works with industry stakeholders to develop ethical and responsible AI systems. 
• Algonquin College: Partners with organizations like Shopify to offer programs that combine classroom learning with real-world projects. The college also collaborates with The Ottawa Hospital and BioCanRx to develop micro-credentials in biomanufacturing, addressing specific industry skill gaps. 
• La Cité: Engages in joint programs with other colleges and shares best practices to enhance program content. The college has also received federal support to deliver virtual training initiatives aimed at increasing employability among Francophone communities. 

Community + Private Networks 

Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem thrives on connection—and not just at formal events. Whether you’re new to the city, launching your first startup, or looking to meet peers in your field, there are built-in networks designed to help you grow. 

Tech Tuesday is one of the city’s most popular community events, bringing together founders, engineers, and job seekers for relaxed, high-impact networking each month. 

Beyond that, peer support programs and founder meetups, hosted or supported by Invest Ottawa, help newcomers integrate into the ecosystem.

Examples include: 

• Peer Groups for Women Founders, Black Entrepreneurs, and Global Talent 
• The SaaS Peer Group, which helps early-stage founders navigate growth 
• Founders Fundamentals programming, offering everything from pitch coaching to mentorship 

These communities are designed to be approachable, resource-rich, and inclusive, creating natural on-ramps into Ottawa’s tech scene for people from all backgrounds and career stages. 

It’s Time to Rethink Ottawa’s Tech Identity 

Ottawa may be known as a government city, but it’s also home to a thriving, world-class private tech industry. With fast-growing startups, innovative multinationals, and a supportive ecosystem, the city offers a complete landscape for tech professionals seeking opportunities beyond the public sector. 

It’s time to retire the stereotype. Ottawa isn’t just a government city for tech—it’s also an effective launchpad for career growth and private-sector innovation. 

---

Looking to thrive in Ottawa’s private tech sector?

Join our talent pool to connect with growing startups and top employers.
Or sign up for our newsletter for private-sector job updates and tech career insights.