Nokia selects Ottawa, Ontario as their Canadian home for R&D in 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity

With support from Invest Ontario, the new project will boost Ottawa’s telecommunications infrastructure and create new jobs

OTTAWA, Ontario, October 17, 2022 – Nokia Canada have selected Ottawa as home to their redevelopment project that will transform their Ottawa facility into a world-class telecommunications and technology hub, and further establish their global leadership in 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity.

The project will secure the telecommunications leader’s Canadian headquarters in Ontario for the next 20 years, and create new lab infrastructure, offices, and research and development spaces that will create up to 344 highly sought-after jobs including new research and development positions. Nokia's transformed campus will nearly double its lab space to 17,000 square metres with increased seating capacity for up to 2,280 employees.

“Nokia’s investment and expansion project are strong signals that Ontario continues to be the best place for businesses around the world to invest and grow,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Ontario is home to a wealth of world-renowned research institutes and top talent who work collaboratively with businesses to create game-changing solutions. Working closely with Invest Ontario, our government is proud to support global innovators like Nokia as part of our plan to build Ontario.”

This project has the potential to bring in future Nokia global mandates that will make Ontario the centre of global innovation excellence for the company. This transformative investment in the technology sector will help keep talent in Ontario, bolster Nokia’s competitiveness globally and become an anchor in the Ottawa technology ecosystem.

Building on the success of its Ontario operations, Nokia’s expansion will strengthen Ottawa’s technology expertise and connect Nokia to the province’s innovative network, and cutting-edge capabilities.

“Invest Ontario is focused on strategic investments that build the province’s capacity and long-term sustainability in the telecommunications and technology sectors,” says Trevor Dauphinee, CEO of Invest Ontario. “We’re pleased that Nokia recognizes the value of being in Ontario and its potential in reaching the world stage. Our appeal as an economic powerhouse with a skilled workforce and great market access makes Ontario even more attractive to international investments.”

Subject to executing a definitive agreement, Invest Ontario will provide a loan of up to $30 million to Nokia to support its growth and job creation. The federal government has also contributed an investment through its Strategic Innovation Fund.

Nokia Canada plans to invest $340+ million in labs and equipment, labour, and operating costs between 2023 and 2027. This project will play a critical role in growing and sustaining Ontario’s technology and telecommunications ecosystem.

“Nokia is helping to drive Ontario’s tech leadership,” says Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia. “This world-class, sustainable R&D hub will be one of Nokia’s most dynamic developments that will create cutting-edge innovations and solutions to advance the global technology ecosystem.”

“Today’s announcement reinforces Nokia’s commitment to the Ontario and Canadian markets, where we have invested $1.4 billion in 

 over the past five years,” says Jeffrey Maddox, President of Nokia Canada. “Nokia’s Ottawa-based R&D hub will generate net-new IP and bring innovative advanced telecommunications and cyber security technologies to market, helping us achieve our goal of improving people’s lives in Ontario, in Canada, and across the world.”

Nokia’s investment in the Ottawa region will lead the way for R&D in telecommunication equipment and infrastructure in Canada, elevating the province's global attractiveness for technology investment.