Ottawa's technology sector.
An amazing career. An even better life.
Ottawa is one of the most diverse tech hubs in North America with expertise in SaaS, AI, autonomous vehicles, next-gen networks, 5G, cybersecurity, digital media, biotech and more. In 2021, Ottawa ranked #1 in North America for tech employment concentration.
130 companies, more than 6,000 employees
As home to Canada’s federal government, Ottawa offers many supports for life-science innovation. Academic researchers, centres of excellence and world-renowned hospitals all feed into the ecosystem. Nordion, DNA Genotek and Best Theratronics are industry leaders based in Ottawa.
More than 560 companies, more than 22,000 employees
Ottawa is a hotbed of software innovation. Companies across the region work in software-as-a-service (SaaS), data analytics and AI. Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Blackberry QNX and Page Cloud are examples that feed into autonomous vehicles, e-commerce, smart city initiatives and the Internet of Things. Shopify, Halogen and Kanaxis have raised record amounts of money to propel their growth.
170 companies. 1,600 employees
Gaming, animation and virtual, augmented and mixed reality are explored by Ottawa’s digital media companies, such as Magmic, Arctic Empire and BitHeads. Multiple tax credits and easy access to highly qualified graduates from two universities and one college support the sector.
250 companies, 21,000 employees
Ottawa’s high-tech roots are in communications technology. The city is a world leader in shaping the global wireless industry. First-class research and development facilities include the David Florida Laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency’s assembly and testing centre. Established companies include Mitel, Ciena, Nokia and Ericsson.
240 companies, 5,500 employees
Clean technologies have put Canada on the global map, and Ottawa is at the heart of this work. Federal laboratories and research agencies support and innovate alongside private-sector companies to create the next breakthroughs. Private-sector innovators include Thermalfrost, GAN Systems, Zibi and Clearford Water Systems Inc.
190 companies, 10,000 employees
A network for research and development infrastructure, strong multinational companies and post-secondary institutions support ADS in the capital. Leaders in this sector include Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and MDS.
86 companies, 21,000 employees
The first street test of a self-driving car in Canada took place in Ottawa in 2017. Now the city is home to world-class test facilities, including a 1,866-acre fenced and gated private facility with 16 kilometres of paved roads. Ottawa’s CAV test facilities serve as a testing ground for automakers and CAV technology innovators such as Ford, QNX Blackberry, Lixar, Arcane Four and Studio 63.
Hear about the innovation in Ottawa straight from the source! We will be highlighting some of Ottawa’s star tech players, delving into their latest projects, interviewing hiring managers, and giving you a peek into the leading-edge innovation happening in the city. Read the blogs below to learn more.
With over 1,500 employees in eight different countries, Sweden-based Syntronic is truly a global company. And ever since it joined the Ottawa tech community in 2014, it seems the Canadian division of the engineering design house continues to grow exponentially.
US-headquartered Avanade has about 52,000 professionals working in 25 countries – continuing to help businesses transform for the digital era. Its aim is to help clients get the most out of their technology through the Microsoft ecosystem, from CRM software, AI, cloud, application services or data technology solutions that can help them transform the way they do business.
US-headquartered Avanade has about 52,000 professionals working in 25 countries – continuing to help businesses transform for the digital era. Its aim is to help clients get the most out of their technology through the Microsoft ecosystem, from CRM software, AI, cloud, application services or data technology solutions that can help them transform the way they do business.
Learn how Avanade is driving growth in Ottawa →
If you’ve driven a car recently, watched TV or even flicked on a light switch, chances are you’ve interacted with BlackBerry QNX controlled systems in one way or another. On its path towards helping to create our future cities, BlackBerry QNX is committed to ensuring that our systems run securely and smoothly.
If you’ve driven a car recently, watched TV or even flicked on a light switch, chances are you’ve interacted with BlackBerry QNX controlled systems in one way or another. On its path towards helping to create our future cities, BlackBerry QNX is committed to ensuring that our systems run securely and smoothly.
Read on about BlackBerry QNX’s innovative projects →
Ottawa’s Kanata North Technology Park is Canada’s largest, with more than 540 companies and 23,000 employees. These businesses contributed $13 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2018 and continue to offer high-calibre tech jobs. You’ll recognize global tech leaders such as QNX Blackberry, Amazon Web Services, Nokia, Cisco, Nordion, Calian and Mitel located in the park.
Tech Tuesdays: The first Tuesday of every month, Terry Matthews’ Wesley Clover Foundation hosts a free community networking and presentation event. Through LinkedIn, you can connect with attendees ahead of time to arrange strategic meetings on site.
AccelerateOTT: This one-day entrepreneurship conference hosted by Invest Ottawa strives to equip, connect and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and firms, helping to catalyze their growth and commercial success.
TEDxKanata: Once a year, Ottawa’s most engaging experts come together to talk about their visions on a pre-selected theme. 2020’s theme was IGNITE! and it brought together high-profile CEOs to discuss everything from AI and neuroscience to the global energy transformation and diversity.
Bayview Meetups: Local groups hold meetups at Bayview Yards. Ottawa AI, Ottawa Cyber and Women in Blockchain have all seized this opportunity.
CAV Canada: CAV Canada, a free hybrid event, hosted by Area X.O, Invest Ottawa and Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) bringing together smart mobility innovators and leaders to discuss and drive the future.
TCXpo: TCXpo brings together more than 70 Canadian companies to host live technology demonstrations at Area X.O. TCXpo will create an exclusive opportunity for invited guests to experience the power and impact of cutting-edge Canadian technologies, including many preparing for global markets.