Ericsson and Export Development Canada will partner to invest $3 billion USD in expanding Canadian research and development. The three-year agreement aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and accelerate advancements in technologies, including quantum communications. Ericsson Canada, with over 3,100 employees and R&D centers in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, is central to the company’s global innovation, the company says. “Canada is one of Ericsson’s most important hubs for global research and development,” says Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson.
Ericsson & EDC’s $3 Billion Partnership for Networks
Ericsson intends to expand research into quantum communications using a portion of the newly secured funding. The $3 billion USD partnership with Export Development Canada will specifically support this area alongside established 5G development, Cloud RAN and AI-powered network management. Canadian teams are already contributing to 5G Advanced and 6G research, positioning the nation as a key player in future network architectures. The financial commitment from Export Development Canada will facilitate expansion of Ericsson’s Canadian supply chain and connect the company with domestic innovators, amplifying the reach of Canadian technology internationally.
This partnership builds upon a pre-existing CAD $634.8 million research and development agreement with the Canadian government, announced in 2024, demonstrating a sustained investment in the country’s communications technology sector. The agreement’s three-year duration will allow Ericsson to scale existing projects and initiate new ones, using financial and insurance solutions provided by EDC.
Alison Nankivell, President and CEO of Export Development Canada, emphasized the broader economic impact of the collaboration. “Export Development Canada is proud to partner with Ericsson, a company with deep roots in Canada and a global reputation for innovation,” she said.
“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 technologies, and contribute to a stronger, more competitive economy.” Ericsson’s Canadian presence spans over 70 years, with research and development centers located in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, and the company is currently one of the leading R&D spenders within the country.
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, Ericsson
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