Ericsson has announced a five-year R&D partnership with the Government of Canada, worth over CAD 470 million.

The program will create and enhance hundreds of jobs at Ericsson’s Ottawa and Montreal R&D centers over the next five years. The focus of the research will be on various technologies such as 5G Advanced, 6G, Cloud RAN, Core Networks, Quantum Computing, and AI for mobile networks.

This investment will also aid in the expansion of research facilities and staff support for quantum computing at Ericsson’s newly established Quantum Research hub in Montreal.

Canadian Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, expressed his support for the initiative, stating that it will strengthen the middle class and help to ensure Canada’s leadership in the technology domain.

Börje Ekholm, president and CEO of Ericsson, believes that the R&D investment partnership with the Canadian government, supported by world-class talent in Ottawa and Montreal, will boost innovation and improve the lives of millions of people.

Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, views this investment as a way to support and strengthen both 5G and 6G networks, solidifying Canada as a global leader in next-generation networks and creating more well-paying jobs.

The partnership will also allow Ericsson Canada to onboard up to 60 additional interns per year, boosting ongoing academic partnerships.

Ericsson Canada has been a vital player in the country’s innovation ecosystem for 70 years, supporting communications service providers through every generation of mobile communication. The company also partners with the national ecosystem network, aimed at fostering 5G adoption and collaboration in Canada.

Ericsson Canada has R&D centers and offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, and is one of the leading R&D spenders in the country, averaging around CAD 345 million per year.