Ericsson has announced a groundbreaking investment of $456 million towards research and development facilities in Canada, with a focus on AI, quantum technologies, and next-generation communication systems.
The significant funding will boost the company’s R&D efforts in its Ottawa and Montreal hubs, targeting advancements in 5G Advanced, 6G, Cloud RAN, and network API technologies. This investment aligns with Canada’s innovation strategy, aiming to strengthen the nation’s leadership in cutting-edge network and AI advancements.
The partnership between Ericsson and Canada’s government is also set to create new employment opportunities, including internships and upskilling programs. Additionally, the company will collaborate with over 20 Canadian universities, offering nearly 600 co-op positions over a five-year period.
Driving Innovation in Quantum Computing
Ericsson’s Montreal-based Quantum Research Hub will play a pivotal role in the company’s global innovation strategy, spearheading research in quantum computing and AI-driven network management. Both the Ottawa and Montreal facilities will expand their focus on 5G Advanced, Cloud RAN, and 6G technologies, ensuring they remain at the forefront of global tech innovations.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Ericsson further cements Canada’s position as a leader in next-generation networks and AI technologies.”
Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions
In addition to tech advancements, Ericsson is committed to achieving sustainability goals. The company is partnering with École de Technologie Supérieure and other research institutions to explore AI-driven energy efficiency in 5G networks, contributing to a greener future in telecommunications.
Ericsson’s president and CEO, Börje Ekholm, emphasized the broader impact of this investment, noting, “Our vision is to leverage open, mobile connectivity to drive digital transformation, support a low-carbon future, and foster innovation that benefits both enterprises and society.”
Strengthening Canada’s Position in Tech
This initiative is not Ericsson’s first step toward deepening its presence in Canada. Earlier this year, the company launched the Ericsson-Carleton 5G Drone Lab and announced a decade-long partnership with Concordia University to advance research in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). These efforts underline the company’s commitment to fostering talent and driving innovation within the country.
With this new investment, Ericsson is poised to accelerate breakthroughs in AI, quantum research, and next-generation communication technologies, all while reinforcing Canada’s leadership on the global stage.
For more on how AI investments are shaping industries, read about Amazon’s $110M commitment to AI research with Trainium chips.