Where is Kanata North?

In the northern part of Kanata, in Ottawa's west end, about a 25 to 30 minute drive from downtown outside rush hour.

What kinds of tech companies are in Ottawa?

Telecommunications, networking, software, cybersecurity, semiconductors and a growing number of startups in areas like AI and space technology.

Which universities feed Ottawa's tech sector?

The University of Ottawa and Carleton University, plus Algonquin College for applied and technical programs.

Ottawa's Tech Scene

Ottawa is Canada's quiet tech powerhouse. Kanata North is one of North America's largest tech parks, Shopify is headquartered here, and the city's deep ties to the federal government make it a hub for cybersecurity, telecom, and AI research. Here's what's happening in Ottawa's technology community.

Ottawa's technology sector at a glance

Ottawa's tech story goes back decades. The city was a major centre for telecommunications research and manufacturing, and that engineering base helped seed the companies that followed. Kanata North, in the west end, grew into one of the largest technology parks in Canada and is still home to many hardware, software and communications firms. Shopify was founded in Ottawa, which put the city on the map for software startups, and a newer wave of companies works in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and space technology.

Being the national capital shapes the sector too. Government and defence contracts, research labs and a large bilingual workforce all feed local companies, and the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and Algonquin College supply a steady flow of graduates. For people moving here for tech work, Kanata and Stittsville are close to the Kanata North cluster, while Centretown and the neighbourhoods around downtown suit people working in the core.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kanata North?: In the northern part of Kanata, in Ottawa's west end, about a 25 to 30 minute drive from downtown outside rush hour.
What kinds of tech companies are in Ottawa?: Telecommunications, networking, software, cybersecurity, semiconductors and a growing number of startups in areas like AI and space technology.
Which universities feed Ottawa's tech sector?: The University of Ottawa and Carleton University, plus Algonquin College for applied and technical programs.