Ottawa is widely recognized as Canada’s innovation capital, boasting a robust tech ecosystem that fuels success stories: from homegrown global giants to thriving companies that landed in Ottawa and succeeded.
The city offers a unique environment to foster research and development, and thousands of tech companies are making groundbreaking innovations right here in our city.
Today we are talking about one of Ottawa’s success stories: MDS has been supplying turnkey test solutions for gas turbine engines and engine components since 1985 and is now breaking new ground in electric propulsion and alternative fuels test solutions.
MDS: Harnessing the Power
Ottawa-based MDS is an engineering company that designs, builds, and provides test facilities and test equipment, including data acquisition solutions, for gas turbine engines developed by world-leading engine manufacturers and MROs.
After 40 years of operation in the field of engine testing, MDS has built test facilities around the globe, with projects in over 20 different countries, and announced the launch of its state-of-the-art data acquisition system – nxDAS.
Touted as the future of data acquisition systems, this latest innovation is a result of continuously building on the company’s experience in a variety of complex and highly demanding testing environments.
As a leader in gas turbine test solutions, MDS has delivered three different data acquisition products into the market in the past 40 years. Starting with eDAS, then proDAS, the newest generation – nxDAS is built on the latest computer hardware and operating systems, ensuring robustness and an ability to cater to the latest cybersecurity requirements.
Driven by Canadian talent
Named to the list of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 12 consecutive years, MDS has earned a reputation as being a remarkable place to work.
While MDS has a significant and growing presence overseas, its headquarters continues to be located here in Ottawa, as the company takes great pride in being a global company that operates out of Canada’s capital, with a focus on Canadian talent.
“Many of our employees are graduates of Ottawa universities and colleges, such as Carleton, uOttawa, and Algonquin. We have a strong co-op program, and this pool of local talent has been a fantastic source for new employees, which is very beneficial to our business”, asserts Kendall Carmichael, the Business Development and Marketing Coordinator for MDS.
Currently, the company has around 170 employees in Ottawa and hired 15 co-ops in 2024. MDS bolsters its local commitment by hiring for all engineering disciplines here in Ottawa.
The company recognizes Ottawa’s role in its continuous success in driving innovation and the company’s growth. Its Ottawa operations have been central to maintaining the company’s status. The local talent and innovation ecosystem also provided MDS with a robust foundation for its technological advancements and strategic initiatives, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the aerospace industry.
Why MDS Loves Ottawa?
MDS gives Ottawa a big shout-out because of their overwhelmingly positive experience in doing business in our city.
“The city’s supportive business environment and the high quality of life it offers are significant factors that have contributed to this experience. Ottawa provides a unique blend of a thriving tech ecosystem and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal place for both professional and personal growth”, says Kendall.
One of the key factors that make MDS and its staff love Ottawa is the access to a highly skilled workforce drawn from the numerous universities and colleges in the area.
Ottawa’s robust talent base has been paramount for MDS in driving innovation and achieving operational excellence. These factors not only influence the company’s interest in growing business in Ottawa but also make them enthusiastic advocates for the city as a premier business destination.
MDS wholeheartedly recommends Ottawa to other companies due to its robust infrastructure, accessible government support, and the multitude of opportunities for professional networking and collaboration.
Success Through Collaboration
MDS participated as an exhibitor at this year’s GCXpo, hosted at Area X.O. For them, it was a truly rewarding experience for the company, as this was their first time attending the event, and it exceeded their expectations in terms of both networking and exposure to breakthrough technologies.
“GCXpo was a great experience for MDS to meet with local companies and share our brand here in our home city,” Kendall notes. “The exposure to all the technological advances happening in Ottawa was eye-opening. The live demonstrations were notably impactful, showcasing technologies that resonated with MDS’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.”
The event provided MDS Aero with a valuable platform for connecting with industry leaders and exploring new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Moving Forward in Canada’s Capital
As MDS continues to expand and advance its strategic initiatives, Ottawa being a key pillar of their growth strategy, Invest Ottawa remains dedicated to offering avenues for the company to showcase its innovations and maintain its legacy of excellence in gas turbine engine testing.
This partnership strengthens Ottawa’s reputation as a leader in aerospace, with MDS setting the standard for engineering excellence in Canada and beyond.
Interested in Expanding to Ottawa?
If you are planning to expand your business in the North American market, choose Ottawa. The city has an incredible technology and innovation ecosystem, the highest tech talent concentration in the North American market, and a burgeoning talent base.
Ottawa’s low cost of doing business and rapid growth made this city one of the most favourable destinations for businesses from all over the world. Ottawa is also touted as one of the best places to live in Canada and the city is ranked #2 in the Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2023.
Invest Ottawa’s Global Expansion team will help you with every step of your expansion project, provide you with necessary recommendations, and connect your business with resources in Ottawa.
Simply fill out this form and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
