Canada’s federal government is collaborating on a research project with longstanding Finnish technology pioneer Nokia in a move that is expected to create several hundred jobs in the country.
Nokia, which was founded in 1865 and today employs nearly 90,000 people worldwide, will conduct research around AI and quantum technologies at an innovation campus in Ottawa.
“By investing in Nokia’s new Ottawa innovation campus, we are not only advancing world-class research in AI, quantum, and next-generation networks, but also reaffirming our belief in Canada’s extraordinary talent and innovation ecosystem,” commented Jeffrey Maddox, who serves as President of Nokia Canada.
The collaboration “positions Canada as a global leader in secure, sustainable digital infrastructure, while creating new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity,” according to Maddox.
Supported by $40M in government resources through the Strategic Response Fund, Nokia is revitalizing and expanding its lab space in Canada.
This work is expected to create more than 340 jobs and increase the number of co-op positions for post-secondary students, according to a statement from the government.
“Canada is at the cutting edge of the global technological race,” posits Minister Mélanie Joly. “The project at Nokia’s Kanata campus ensures Canadians have access to the most advanced digital telecommunications tools.”
Digital infrastructure “is critical to Canada’s future success,” suggests Evan Solomon, who functions as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
“We are not only investing in the foundations needed for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity, but also ensuring that Canadian innovators have the tools to lead globally,” Solomon stated.
Solomon says Canada is “building a highly skilled workforce, empowering Canadians to drive the next wave of innovation, fuelling economic growth, and creating the well-paying jobs of tomorrow.”
“This partnership with Nokia … means over three hundred good jobs for the Ottawa region, a big boost to our 5G ecosystem, and real momentum for the technologies that will shape our future from clean energy to smart cities and advanced healthcare,” stated Jenna Sudds, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement.
Over the past five years, Nokia has invested over $1 billion in research and development in Canada.
In fact, the company’s Ottawa operation has become the largest single employer in Ottawa’s telecom cluster.
“Nokia’s Ottawa campus expansion reflects Canada’s strong partnerships with global innovators and our commitment to building secure, sustainable, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure,” remarked Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade.
