Canada is about to take another major step into leadership in 5G, 6G, AI and beyond.
Today, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ericsson CEO Börje Ekholm announced a CAD 470 million joint investment in research and development (R&D) centers in Ottawa and Montreal. The five-year partnership is set to propel Canada to the forefront of global development in next-generation communications technologies, including 5G Advanced, 6G, AI, Cloud RAN, and Core Network technologies. The investment is expected to create and upskill hundreds of jobs, establishing the facilities as global leaders in these fields.
In addition to strengthening Canada’s position in cutting-edge communications technologies, the investment will also support the expansion of research facilities and staff support for quantum computing at Ericsson’s recently established Quantum Research hub in Montreal.
For Trudeau, the deal is set to be a feather in his cap as he continues his message about supporting innovation to create good jobs, strengthening the middle class, and ensuring Canada remains a global leader in technology.
“Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson, says: “We are already seeing the benefits of next-generation technologies such as 5G and AI, yet we are still in the early days of their potential to transform our work, leisure, and social lives. Ericsson’s R&D investment partnership with the Canadian government, supported by world-class talent in Ottawa and Montreal, will boost innovation and ultimately help to improve the lives of millions of people. We are determined to lead our industry through continued R&D investment.”
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, added that the partnership further solidifies Canada as a global leader in next-generation networks and creates more well-paying jobs. Jeanette Irekvist, President of Ericsson Canada, celebrated the company’s 70 years of innovation and operations in Canada, highlighting the strength of the country’s technology expertise.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed enthusiasm for the new investment in the city’s R&D center, noting that it supports research, innovation, and the city’s modernization. The investment will also enable Ericsson Canada to onboard up to 60 additional interns per year, totaling 300 over the five-year timeline, to enhance ongoing academic partnerships.
These students will mostly be based in the Montreal and Ottawa R&D centers.
