Did you know that Ottawa is a globally recognized technology hub, home to a mix of multinational giants and thriving startups? Additionally, Canada’s capital is a magnet for talented professionals. Future Ottawa dives deeper into why this city is one of the most favorable places for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Scientific Companies and IT
Ottawa is home to over 1,750 knowledge-intensive companies, employing more than 68,500 highly skilled professionals. The city excels in several high-tech industries:
- Communication technologies
- Aerospace
- Defense and security
- Software development
- Smart healthcare technologies
Ottawa also boasts expertise in revolutionary technologies. For instance, the Ottawa CAV Cluster includes over 100 companies, organizations, and academic institutions working together as a unified network.
Advanced Technologies
- Cybersecurity:
The Ottawa-Gatineau Cybersecurity Cluster supports innovators and companies providing encryption, vulnerability protection, and identity and access management. - 5G and Next-Generation Networks:
With a rich history in telecommunications, Ottawa is at the forefront of developing 5G and next-generation network applications that enhance community life. - AI and Machine Learning:
Ottawa is a global hub for AI innovation. A prime example is MindBridge Ai, a fintech company that developed an AI-powered auditing platform capable of quickly detecting anomalies in financial data.
Technical Talent
Ottawa is brimming with skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The city’s technical talent pool comprises 9.9% of its population—second only to San Francisco (10%).
Key contributors to this trend include Ottawa’s prestigious educational institutions, such as:
- Algonquin College
- Carleton University
- University of Ottawa
- La Cité College
- Willis College
These institutions collectively graduate approximately 135,000 students annually, with 20% specializing in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Notably, 61% of Ottawa’s population holds a post-secondary degree.
High-Performing and Efficient Business Environment
Ottawa is an excellent place to start and grow a business. Here’s why:
- Affordable Operations:
Ottawa is the most cost-effective G7 capital and one of the most affordable Canadian cities for businesses. - Geographical Advantage:
With over 130 embassies located in the region, Ottawa is an ideal hub for international trade and investment. - High-Speed Internet:
Ottawa boasts unmatched internet speed and reliability across Canada.
Quality of Life
A company’s success is closely tied to the quality of life it offers its employees. Ottawa consistently ranks among the top 3 regions in North America for talent, technology, and tolerance.
The city features open green spaces, beaches, camping areas, golf courses, and ski facilities, offering a diverse range of recreational activities. Its cultural, artistic, and culinary scenes are equally vibrant.
Moreover, housing in Ottawa is more affordable than in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Ottawa’s Clean Technology Industry
As one of Canada’s greenest cities, 30% of Ottawa’s residents walk, bike, or use public transit to commute. The city also boasts a modern light rail transit system, which helps reduce traffic congestion.
Global innovators in clean technology, including BluMetric Environmental, Clearford, Blue Line Innovations, and BluWave-ai, thrive here.
Aerospace, Defense, and Security Sectors
Ottawa is Canada’s national center for aerospace, defense, and security. Notable companies include:
- General Dynamics: An American giant specializing in aerospace and defense technology.
- Thales Group: A multinational company producing information systems for military, aerospace, and maritime applications.
- Leonardo: A manufacturer and supporter of military communication systems.
- Lockheed Martin: A leading U.S. aerospace and defense company established in 1995.
Research facilities like the Aerospace Research Centre, the David Florida Laboratory, and the Canadian Space Agency reinforce Ottawa’s reputation as a scientific powerhouse.
Life Sciences Sector
Ottawa’s healthcare innovation sector focuses on discovery, development, and commercialization. Between 2017 and 2018, employees at The Ottawa Hospital established nine spin-off companies and conducted over 825 clinical trials. This robust research environment underscores Ottawa’s leadership in life sciences.
Software Industry
Ottawa’s software sector is thriving, with over 560 companies employing more than 22,000 professionals. Leading firms include Shopify, Amazon, and Assent Compliance.
Ottawa is also home to five of the world’s top enterprise software providers:
- Dell EMC
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- SAP
This concentration of revolutionary technology cements Ottawa’s position as a global tech leader.
Why Ottawa?
Ottawa is a thriving global technology hub, offering unparalleled opportunities for business growth and innovation. Its combination of technical talent, business-friendly policies, and high quality of life creates the ideal environment for success. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, Ottawa is a model city for tech-driven economic development.
In short, the arguments in favor of Ottawa are compelling.
