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Ottawa has long been known as a government city due to its status as the capital of Canada and the presence of many government institutions. The first time that I visited Ottawa was to attend a Hadoop course with Learning Tree International. Had I known what I know about Ottawa now, I would have moved here earlier.

In recent years, the city has gained recognition as a growing tech hub. Despite this, the perception that Ottawa is primarily a government city persists, which may have an impact on the city’s ability to attract talent and investment to its growing tech industry. Nonetheless, the city’s tech community continues to thrive, and efforts are being made to showcase the diversity and innovation of the industry to both locals and those outside the city.

Ottawa’s tech community is actually a vibrant and growing ecosystem that has attracted a wide range of innovative startups, established technology companies, and world-class research institutions. The city’s tech scene is anchored by companies like Shopify, one of Canada’s most successful tech startups, and Blackberry, which has been a dominant force in the mobile industry for decades.

The community has also seen a surge of investment and interest from global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and SAP, all of which have opened offices and research labs in the city. This has led to a wealth of job opportunities for tech professionals, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.

In addition to its thriving private sector, Ottawa is also home to a number of leading research institutions, including the National Research Council of Canada and the University of Ottawa. These institutions are at the forefront of research in fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and photonics, and are key drivers of innovation in the region.

Overall, Ottawa’s tech community is a dynamic and exciting ecosystem that offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals alike. With its strong track record of success and continued growth, the city is poised to remain a major player in the global tech landscape for years to come.

Notable Tech Companies of Ottawa

Here are some notable tech companies in Ottawa. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be many other tech companies in Ottawa that I don’t have on this list.

1. Adobe
2. Shopify
3. BlackBerry
4. Ciena
5. Kinaxis
6. Klipfolio
7. Pythian
8. You.i TV
9. QNX Software Systems
10. Ross Video
11. Solace Corporation
12. Wi-LAN Inc.
13. Telesat
14. Halogen Software
15. BitAccess
16. FileCatalyst
17. Lumenera Corporation
18. ProntoForms
19. SurveyMonkey
20. Kongsberg Geospatial
21. MindBridge Ai
22. Leonovus
23. Bluink
24. Fusebill
25. Syntronic
26. Magnet Forensics
27. Neurovine

Ottawa’s Tech-Related Events

There are several tech-related events that take place in Ottawa throughout the year. Here are some notable ones:

1. AccelerateOTT: A conference that focuses on the startup ecosystem in Ottawa and features talks from successful entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders.
2. SAAS North: An annual conference that brings together software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, investors, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
3. Ottawa Innovation Week: A week-long event that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in Ottawa, featuring workshops, seminars, networking events, and pitch competitions.
4. IMPACT AI Conference: A conference that explores the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and their impact on business and society.
5. Hacking Health Ottawa: An event that brings together healthcare professionals, developers, and designers to collaborate and develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
6. Open Data Day Ottawa: An annual event that celebrates the benefits of open data and brings together developers, designers, and data enthusiasts to collaborate on projects and learn from each other.

Again, please note that this list is not an exhaustive list and there may be many other tech-related events that take place in Ottawa that I am not yet aware of yet.

Ottawa Women in Tech

There are several tech-related events in Ottawa that are specifically targeted toward women. Here are some notable ones:

1. Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Ottawa Chapter: WCT is a national organization that promotes the advancement of women in communications, media, and technology. The Ottawa chapter hosts several events throughout the year, including networking events, workshops, and speaker series.
2. Women Who Code Ottawa: Women Who Code is a global nonprofit organization that supports women in technology by providing access to educational resources, career opportunities, and community events. The Ottawa chapter hosts events such as hackathons, coding workshops, and speaker series.
3. Women Powering Technology (WPT): WPT is an annual conference that celebrates women in technology and entrepreneurship. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Kanata North Technology Park

I moved to Ottawa due to personal reasons and it took me over a year to be convinced to make the final move. Visiting the Kanata North Technology Park during one of our visits to Ottawa made a very positive impression on me. The positive vibes in the community were motivating enough to convince me that I can be happy in Ottawa. The Kanata North Technology Park, also known as Canada’s largest technology park, is located in the suburb of Kanata, in the west end of Ottawa. The park is home to over 500 companies, including multinational corporations, start-ups, and research institutions.

The park covers an area of approximately 1,200 acres and includes several business districts, such as March Road, Legget Drive, and Terry Fox Drive. The park provides an ideal environment for technology companies, with state-of-the-art facilities, access to top talent from local universities and colleges, and a collaborative community of innovators.

Kanata North is home to several of Canada’s most successful technology companies, including BlackBerry, and Mitel. It has also attracted a number of international tech giants, such as Amazon Web Services, Ericsson, and Nokia.

The park offers several amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and fitness facilities. It also provides ample parking and public transportation, with easy access to highways and Ottawa International Airport.

Overall, the Kanata North Technology Park is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, offering a supportive environment for technology companies to grow and thrive. With its world-class facilities, collaborative community, and proximity to Ottawa’s vibrant tech ecosystem, the park is an ideal location for businesses looking to innovate and expand. I get to drive through it at least once per week and enjoy the scenery of notable tech companies’ logos and buildings.

Search for Tech Jobs in Ottawa

There are several ways to find jobs in the tech field in Ottawa:

1. Online job boards: Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are great resources for job seekers. These websites allow you to search for jobs based on location, industry, and job title. You can also set up job alerts to receive notifications when new jobs in your field are posted.
2. Networking: Networking is a great way to learn about job opportunities in the tech industry. Attend local tech events, join industry groups on LinkedIn, and connect with professionals in your field to expand your network and learn about job openings.
3. Staffing agencies: There are several staffing agencies in Ottawa that specialize in placing candidates in the tech industry. These agencies can help you find temporary or permanent job placements based on your skills and experience.
   • Modis Canada: Modis Canada is a leading staffing agency that specializes in IT and engineering staffing services. They have a dedicated team of recruiters who focus on connecting job seekers with top tech companies in Ottawa.
   • Robert Half Technology: Robert Half Technology is a staffing agency that specializes in placing IT professionals in temporary and permanent positions. They have a wide range of job opportunities in the tech industry, including software development, project management, and network administration.
   • Randstad Technologies: Randstad Technologies is a staffing agency that specializes in placing IT professionals in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire positions. They have a large database of job openings in the tech industry in Ottawa and can help you find a job that matches your skills and experience.
   • Aerotek: Aerotek is a staffing agency that specializes in engineering, IT, and scientific staffing services. They have a dedicated team of recruiters who focus on connecting job seekers with top tech companies in Ottawa.
   • LRO Staffing: LRO Staffing is a staffing agency that specializes in placing professionals in IT, finance, and administrative positions. They have a wide range of job opportunities in the tech industry, including software development, database administration, and project management.

It’s important to tailor your job search strategy to your skills, experience, and career goals. By using a combination of these methods, you can increase your chances of finding a job in the tech field in Ottawa. I think it’s more difficult to navigate your way around a new city if you didn’t go to their local university. It took me a while to gather the above information. I hope this post helps newcomers to this great city to access the tech community faster.

Engage

Getting involved in the tech community of Ottawa can be a great way to expand your network, learn new skills, and advance your career. Here are some steps you can take to get involved:

1. Attend tech events: Ottawa has a vibrant tech community with many events, conferences, and meetups. Attend these events to meet other tech professionals, learn about new trends and technologies, and expand your knowledge.
2. Join industry groups: Joining industry groups such as Women in Communications and Technology or the Ottawa Network for Education can be a great way to meet other professionals in your field and build your network.
3. Volunteer: Many tech organizations in Ottawa rely on volunteers to help organize events and programs. Volunteering can be a great way to get involved, meet other professionals, and gain valuable experience.
4. Participate in hackathons: Hackathons are events where individuals and teams work together to create new software, hardware, or other tech projects in a limited amount of time. Participating in hackathons can be a great way to showcase your skills, learn new things, and meet other tech professionals.
5. Join a co-working space: Co-working spaces can provide you with access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities in the tech community.
6. Follow tech news: Keeping up with the latest tech news can be a great way to stay informed about trends and developments in the industry. Follow local tech news sources such as the Ottawa Business Journal or Techopia to stay up-to-date.
7. Participate in online communities: Participating in online communities such as Reddit or LinkedIn groups can be a great way to connect with other tech professionals, ask questions, and learn new things.

By taking these steps, you can get involved in the tech community of Ottawa and take advantage of the many opportunities it has to offer. In my experience, the community is kind and welcoming, don’t be shy.

As you read above, Ottawa has a thriving tech community that has been steadily growing over the past few years. The city is home to a diverse range of tech companies, ranging from established multinational corporations to innovative startups. Ottawa is particularly known for its expertise in software development, networking, and telecommunications.

One of the strengths of the Ottawa tech community is its collaborative and supportive culture. There are many events, meetups, and conferences that bring together tech professionals from different backgrounds to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build connections. The city also has several co-working spaces and incubators that provide resources and support for startups and entrepreneurs.

Another notable aspect of the Ottawa tech community is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Many tech companies in the city have implemented initiatives to increase the representation of women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in the industry. There are also several organizations, such as Women in Communications and Technology and L-SPARK, that provide resources and support for women and other diverse groups in the tech industry.

Overall, the tech community in Ottawa is a dynamic and innovative ecosystem that continues to grow and evolve. With its collaborative culture, focus on research and innovation, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, the city is well-positioned to continue to attract top talent and build a thriving tech industry for years to come.

Need to see for yourself? Watch this video: