Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 28, Nokia has officially broken ground on its new state-of-the-art Ottawa campus in Kanata North Tech Park, marking a major expansion of its Canadian research and development operations.

The nearly 750,000-square-foot facility will serve as a global centre of excellence for AI-powered networks, data centre solutions, quantum-safe infrastructure, and future 6G technologies. It will house over 1,900 R&D professionals in Ottawa and support more than 2,500 employees nationwide.

The campus builds on Nokia's 50-year legacy in the region, where key advancements in high-speed optics, IP routing, and secure networking were originally developed. Designed with sustainability in mind, the new site will incorporate LEED principles, renewable energy systems, and low-carbon construction materials.

Jeffrey Maddox, President, Nokia Canada, said: "Nokia's trusted, secure, and advanced networks are driving the AI supercycle. Our investment in the new Nokia Ottawa campus and R&D work across the country will power global infrastructure and the breakthroughs that will help shape the future of connectivity. As we expand our efforts, we are also deepening our commitment to advancing technologies that bolster Canada's defence and national security. We're doubling down on local talent, partners, and technology to strengthen Nokia Canada's leadership role in a new era of quantum secure, scalable, and resilient connectivity. We are especially grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa. Their shared vision and investment through initiatives like the Strategic Innovation Fund have been instrumental in making this project a reality and securing Canada’s leadership in next-generation digital infrastructure."

David Heard, President, Network Infrastructure, Nokia, said: "Nokia is playing a critical role in the AI and the quantum revolution. By expanding our Ottawa footprint, we're not just growing – we're strengthening our commitment to innovation and advancing next-generation networks that will transform how industries and people connect worldwide."

Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, said: "Canada is at the cutting edge of the global technological race. The project at Nokia's Kanata campus ensures Canadians have access to the most advanced digital telecommunications tools. Today's milestone is a significant step toward enabling exciting new technologies that will have a transformative effect on Canada's economy. The partnership between Nokia and Canada is strengthening our digital infrastructure and delivering results for Canadians across the country."

Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, said: "Today's groundbreaking ceremony for Nokia's Ottawa Campus expansion reinforces Canada's commitment to being a trusted leader in secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure around the world. The new campus will advance artificial intelligence, quantum-safe networking, and next-generation connectivity to help Canadian businesses compete globally."

Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said: "Digital infrastructure is critical to Canada's future success—especially at this pivotal moment as new technologies reshape the world around us. That's why this project matters. We are not only investing in the foundations needed for artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity but also ensuring that Canadian innovators have the tools to lead globally."

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, said: "Ottawa is Canada's innovation capital. For more than 50 years, Nokia has been part of the growth of Ottawa's technology sector, and this new campus represents the next chapter. This major investment in our city is another sign that Ottawa - and in particular Kanata North - has the talent, creativity, and vision to drive innovation. Thank you to Nokia for partnering with Ottawa, for investing in our city, and for helping to create jobs and sustainable growth."

The project underscores Canada’s growing role as a centre for advanced communications technology and reinforces Kanata North as one of the country’s premier technology clusters.