Nokia Canada on Tuesday morning held an official ground-breaking ceremony for its new innovation campus in Ottawa, a project initially announced back in October 2022.
“The new campus will play a pivotal role — driving breakthroughs in AI-powered networks, data center networks, quantum-safe infrastructure, and next-generation 6G technologies, while cultivating strategic industry partnerships and developing the next generation of innovators,” Nokia said in a press release.
Located at the Kanata North Tech Park, Nokia’s Ottawa campus will span nearly 750,000 square feet and be home to more than 1,900 R&D professionals, according to the press release. The new campus “will be more than an R&D hub; it will serve as a launchpad for the future of Canadian innovation, accelerating advances in AI, quantum technologies and sustainable digital transformation,” Nokia said.
“Nokia’s trusted, secure, and advanced networks are driving the AI supercycle,” said Jeffrey Maddox, president of Nokia Canada, in a statement on Tuesday. “Our investment in the new Nokia Ottawa campus and R&D work across the country will power global infrastructure and the breakthroughs that will help shape the future of connectivity. As we expand our efforts, we are also deepening our commitment to advancing technologies that bolster Canada’s defence and national security. We’re doubling down on local talent, partners, and technology to strengthen Nokia Canada’s leadership role in a new era of quantum secure, scalable, and resilient connectivity.
“We are especially grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa,” Maddox added. “Their shared vision and investment through initiatives like the Strategic Innovation Fund have been instrumental in making this project a reality and in securing Canada’s leadership in next-generation digital infrastructure.”
When the expansion of Nokia’s Ottawa facility was announced in 2022, Nokia said it was investing $340 million in the project, primarily in labs and equipment, labour and operating costs. At the time, the Ontario government said it was providing Nokia with a $30 million loan through Invest Ontario to support the project, and the Government of Canada committed $40 million through its Strategic Innovation Fund. In addition, the City of Ottawa promised a capital contribution of $2 million for control system upgrades, via Hydro Ottawa.
Nokia said in its Tuesday press release that its partnerships with AI chip maker Nvidia, leading universities and top-tier training programs “ensure the Ottawa campus is a magnet for global talent and a catalyst for tech-driven prosperity.” In addition, “[b]y integrating advanced optics, IP routing, quantum networking, and AI-RAN/6G, Nokia Canada is laying the groundwork for secure, sovereign, and energy-efficient digital infrastructure,” it said.
“Ottawa is Canada’s innovation capital,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, in a statement. “For more than 50 years, Nokia has been part of the growth of Ottawa’s technology sector, and this new campus represents the next chapter. This major investment in our city is another sign that Ottawa — and in particular Kanata North — has the talent, creativity, and vision to drive innovation.”
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for Nokia’s Ottawa Campus expansion reinforces Canada’s commitment to being a trusted leader in secure and sustainable digital infrastructure around the world,” said Maninder Sidhu, federal minister of international trade. “The new campus will advance artificial intelligence, quantum-safe networking, and next-generation connectivity to help Canadian businesses compete globally. Canada welcomes foreign investment as a driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and the Trade Commissioner Service stands ready to help global leaders like Nokia, seize these opportunities and grow in Canada.”
Artist rendering courtesy of Nokia
