Ericsson and the Government of Canada have announced an expanded funding agreement worth over CAD 634 million in a significant boost to Canada’s tech industry. This investment will enhance Ericsson’s research and development capabilities at its Ottawa and Montreal facilities, creating and upskilling hundreds of jobs in advanced mobile networks, artificial intelligence, cloud RAN, quantum technologies, and network API.
The partnership solidifies Canada’s position as a leader in next-generation networks. Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne states that the investment will support 5G networks and advance technologies shaping the country’s future. Ericsson’s President and CEO Börje Ekholm emphasized the company’s vision to leverage open mobile connectivity for positive impact on enterprises and society, while accelerating digital transformation and supporting a low-carbon future.
Enhancing Canada’s Position as a Global Tech Leader
The Government of Canada and Ericsson have signed an expanded funding agreement, investing over CAD $634.8 million in research and development (R&D) operations focused on advanced mobile networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies. This substantial investment will advance next-generation communications technologies and create hundreds of jobs at Ericsson’s Ottawa and Montréal R&D centres.
The partnership solidifies Canada’s position as a leader in next-generation networks, supporting the 5G networks of today and advancing the technologies that will shape the future. The increased investment will further support the expansion of research facilities and staffing for quantum computing at Ericsson’s Quantum Research Hub in Montreal. Additionally, it will grow Ericsson’s already strong partnerships with over 20 Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Commitment to Technological Innovation
Ericsson continues its commitment to technological innovation in Canada, announcing a 10-year agreement with Concordia University to advance research and talent development in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The company has also launched the Ericsson-Carleton 5G Drone Lab, positioning Canada and Canadian talent at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.
Over the course of the five-year agreement, Ericsson will create almost 200 new high-skilled jobs and plans to welcome more than 600 co-ops through its university partnerships. The company is committed to onboarding up to 120 students annually and committing to more than 10 academic collaborations a year.
Sustainability through Technology
Ericsson and the Government of Canada are partnering on sustainability through technology, working towards a Net Zero future. In 2022, Ericsson announced a strategic research program led by École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), in partnership with Concordia University, Polytechnique Montréal, and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The program aims to explore how AI can help the telecommunications sector minimize the energy consumption of 5G networks.
Earlier this year, Ericsson also joined the Government of Canada’s Net Zero challenge. The company’s commitment to global innovation in network sustainability is driven by its investments in R&D in Canada and through partnerships with Environment and Climate Change Canada and leading academic institutions. These efforts focus on how AI and other technologies can help achieve climate action goals.
A Long History of Innovation
Ericsson Canada has played a vital role in the country’s innovation ecosystem for over 70 years, supporting communications service providers through every generation of mobile communication. The company is among the leading R&D spenders in the country, averaging $345 million per year. With R&D centres and offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, Ericsson Canada partners in the national ecosystem network to foster 5G adoption and collaboration in Canada.
Ericsson’s high-performing networks connect billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, the company has been a pioneer in creating communication technology. It offers mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with its customers and partners, Ericsson makes the digital world of tomorrow a reality.
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