Why Ottawa?
Because innovation happens here
The Capital Advantage
We have North America's highest tech talent concentration. Our innovation playground is vast and diverse. Our strengths span software, AI, smart mobility, cybersecurity, digital health and more. Global giants like Nokia and Ericsson share our streets with homegrown heroes Kinaxis, Shopify, Ross Video, Fullscript and Mitel, and startups and scaleups like Assent, Solink and Mindbridge.
As one of the most educated Canadian cities, with the nation’s largest tech park, 65 research labs, 130 embassies, and our unrivalled quality of life, we aren’t simply Canada’s Capital, we are a global tech capital. And our true magic lies in our diverse, collaborative community.
Join us in Ottawa. We're not just imagining our future—we're building it.
Need more evidence? Here are 6 reasons why Ottawa is a great place for your business:
ACCESS TO TALENT
Ottawa is home to four post-secondary institutions with more than 127,000 students enrolled (Ottawa Tourism). Notably, within the Ottawa Census division, an impressive 26% of graduates specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields (Statistics Canada). The city also has the highest concentration of tech talent among major North American cities (12.3%), tied with the SF Bay Area (CBRE, 2024)
COST ADVANTAGE
With the lowest tax rate on new business investment in the G7 and an advantageous Canadian dollar, Canada provides knowledge-based businesses with a uniquely competitive edge. Businesses in Canada enjoy preferential access to 51 markets with a combined GDP of over US$64 trillion, representing 61% of the global economy and home to 1.5 billion consumers (Global Affairs Canada, 2025).
COMPETITIVE R&D
Ottawa is home to 3 Networks of Centres of Excellence in Canada, 65 federal labs, and a handful of incubators and accelerators. Our post-secondary institutes and private companies also contribute to bolstering the city’s R&D capabilities.
GOVERNMENT PROXIMITY
As a G7 capital, Ottawa is the political heartbeat of Canada with proximity to a large concentration of policymakers and government departments. Factor in the 130 embassies located around the city, Ottawa offers a global network right in your backyard!
CONNECTIVITY
Geography is an advantage to Ottawa - with easy access to major North American markets, top-tier highway infrastructure, a modern airport, and a world-class transit system with 80% of the population within walking distance of a station. Our award-winning Ottawa International Airport connects Ottawa to 40+ cities. The city is also only hours away from Toronto & Montreal.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Ottawa offers an unparalleled quality of life, featuring fantastic restaurants, museums and art galleries, world-class fairs, cultural events, and unrivalled access to Canada's outdoor riches. High-quality healthcare, affordability, great education system, safe and inclusive neighborhoods: it’s no coincidence our city is among the top 3 major North American cities in terms of Quality of Life (Mercer 2024).
