Connect with Canada
2025-08-18
Canada has a rich history of excellence in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) engineering and innovation. Cutting-edge Canadian solutions can be found in IoT/connected devices, data Center technologies, enterprice software, telecom, cybersecurity, fintech, big data and analytics, advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, semiconductors, quantum and many others. Come and discover more at Riga Comm 2025 Canada booth.
Canada’s ICT sector is centered around four key subsectors: ICT manufacturing, software and computer services, telecommunication technologies and services, and ICT wholesaling. As of 2023, Canada’s ICT sector encompassed over 48,700 firms engaged in ICT manufacturing, software and computer services, communications services, and ICT wholesaling—representing approximately 3.6% of all enterprises with employees in the country. The vast majority—more than 45,000 firms—operate in the software and computer services subsector, highlighting its dominant role within the broader ICT landscape. Notably, most of these firms are small businesses, with around 41,300 employing fewer than 10 people, while 160 are classified as large (employing over 500 individuals). The manufacturing subsector also stands out for its comparatively larger firm size: in 2023, 9.1% of ICT manufacturing companies employed more than 100 people, versus only 1.8% across the entire ICT sector.
Canada stands out as a leader in communications research, hosting research & development (R&D) facilities for all major global communications equipment companies. The country boasts a substantial software development community, housed within the software publishing and computer systems design industries, catering to both pre-packaged and custom software needs.
While concentrated primarily in eight major urban centres, the technological landscape varies by location, with notable clusters in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver with key capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, edtech, enterprise software/business productivity solutions, semiconductors, telecommunications/next-gen networks, and quantum. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to 43% of all ICT firms, with Montreal home to 16% and Vancouver over 10%. Key clusters capabilities are:
• Ottawa is known for communications R&D for advanced networks, although it also has strengths in software development and cybersecurity.
• Waterloo Region, home to many successful ICT firms, is driven by industry and academia working in collaboration.
• Montreal and Sherbrooke, with Bromont, is known for microelectronics and semiconductors.
• Montreal is strong in communications research and software publishing (particularly games development).
• Toronto demonstrates specialization in software publishing, microelectronics, and communications equipment.
• Vancouver’s focus is software publishing (especially games development), although most activity is within multinationals.
• Other regions specialize in supplying vertical markets; for example, Calgary has firms offering specialized ICT solutions for the oil and gas industry.
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence industry is comprised from large clusters of firms with majority of them being in Toronto and Montreal in professional, scientific, and technical services industry and healthcare and social services. The cyber firms are mostly located in Toronto and Ottawa, among the others offering Infrastructure solutions, Compliance Audits and Program Development, Thread Monitoring, Bundled Solutions, Forensics and Investigation.
Known for its technological advancements and innovation, Canada is also a significant player on the Internet of Things (IoT) market. Canada’s IoT market is thriving, with a strong focus on smart cities and smart grid, connected vehicles, IT infrastructure, asset tracking & monitoring, innovative solutions for resource management.
Canada’s prominence in quantum technology extends beyond financial commitments, as it stands as the third country globally to achieve Quantum Supremacy with an approach combining financial backing, international collaboration, and groundbreaking achievements.
Another strength for the country is Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) that represent the integration of emerging technologies throughout the manufacturing value chain. Innovative technologies such as industrial IoT, AI, big data analytics, digital twins and additive manufacturing, among many others improve production across the value chain through enhanced flexibility, quality, speed and safety, and the creation of new design principles. Manufacturing robotics is the largest segment of Canada’s robotics sector.
Canada holds a unique position in the value chain of the semiconductor life cycle with over 100 homegrown and multinational companies conducting R&D on microchips, and a manufacturing base of over 30 applied research laboratories and five commercial facilities. Canadian businesses provide world-leading technologies and services along the entire Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) value chain. Compound semiconductorsis another niche strength for Canada.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian companies and organizations of all sizes grow and operate internationally. Our network of Trade Commissioners can connect you with qualified contacts, funding, and support programs, and provide key information to help seize international opportunities and succeed in markets around the world like in Latvia.