Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson announced Wednesday it has signed a US$3 billion partnership agreement with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s export credit agency, to expand investment in Canadian research and development of advanced technologies including 5G, Cloud RAN, AI and quantum innovation.
The three-year partnership will enable Ericsson to expand its Canadian-led innovation and global projects with the support of financial and insurance solutions from EDC, an Ericsson press release said. In addition, by reinforcing Ericsson’s Canadian supply chain and connecting the company with innovative domestic businesses, the agreement will also amplify Ericsson’s ability to bring Canadian technology to the world, strengthen competitiveness, and create new opportunities for Canadian companies within Ericsson’s global network of partners, the release said.
“Canada is one of Ericsson’s most important hubs for global research and development, and this partnership with Export Development Canada will allow us to scale that leadership even further,” Börje Ekholm, president and CEO of Ericsson, said in a statement. “By strengthening our collaboration with Canadian businesses, universities and government partners, we can accelerate breakthroughs in 5G, quantum, and Cloud RAN that will drive growth, create opportunities, and reinforce Canada’s position as a global leader in next generation networks.”
Ericsson Canada operates R&D centres in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto and has more than 3,100 employees nationwide. The Canadian teams are driving advancements in 5G, 5G Advanced and 6G, while also contributing to new research in quantum communications and AI-powered network management, Ericsson’s press release said.
“Export Development Canada is proud to partner with Ericsson, a company with deep roots in Canada and a global reputation for innovation,” said Alison Nankivell, president and CEO of EDC, a Crown corporation under the Minister of International Trade. “This agreement is about enabling Canadian expertise to reach new markets and scale on the world stage. Together we are helping Canadian companies integrate into global supply chains, advance cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to a stronger, more competitive economy.”
Ericsson said this partnership builds on its C$634.8 million R&D agreement with the Canadian government announced in 2024, reinforcing Ericsson’s long-term commitment to Canadian innovation, talent development and leadership in global communications technology.
