Why Canada?

Toronto

We are the 2^nd best North American city in the world, but the 1^st in machine learning. 

Ranked 4th globally by the Economist’s Liveability Index and noted as a hotbed for machine learning, Toronto has both the civic qualities and critical mass of technology innovators to make this an ideal city for AI entrepreneurs. 

• Highest concentration of PhD’s working on AI in the world
• Pre-existing cluster of 50+ AI companies participating in the Creative Destruction Lab at Rotman

We have talent, and lots of it.

Situated at the nucleus of top academic institutions like the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, we are swimming in the next generation of local and affordable tech talent.  

• Most highly educated population among OECD countries, home to 9 world-renowned universities
• 80% of tech labour force in Toronto has a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate. 9 universities and colleges (including Waterloo) offer over 60 technology-related programs to prepare students for careers in the tech sector.

Our tech innovation ecosystem is vibrant, robust, and growing. 

Between 2010 and 2015, our tech sector grew by 14.6% and 50,000 jobs. Today, 15% of all jobs are in tech. Toronto is also home to a critical mass of innovators, RIC’s, academic institutions, and government supporters excited about fueling the next generation of tech innovation. 

• Home to 5000+ startups along TO-WR corridor
• Generating $52B in revenues annually, we are the 3^rd largest centre for tech firms in NA with offices for Google, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Airbnb, Uber and more 

Canada

We are home to pioneering champions of AI research.  

The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) was the first funder to the global artificial intelligence movement in Canada, and continues to support AI innovators through award-winning research, capital, and other valuable resources. 

• Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SRED) program provides R&D tax credits to companies of any size for conducting Research & Development activities in Canada

We believe good business thrives because of multiculturalism and diversity, and prioritize talent immigration for small, high-growth businesses. 

Canada’s Global Skills Strategy will expedite the VISA process, making it easier for Canadian businesses to attract the top-tier talent they need to succeed.

• Globally-connected residents collectively speak over 180 languages and understand the cultural landscape and nuances of doing business internationally

Our national innovation ecosystem Trumps. Period. 

This is an exciting time in Canada where municipal, provincial, and federal leadership are significantly aligned in their goal of building the future through tech and entrepreneurship. Here, you won’t find divisive, controlling tactics or static, old-age thinking. You’ll find forward-thinking leaders in an ecosystem eager to support you and your ideas. 

• Ontario offers the greatest cost advantage for R&D among nations in the G7, citing a cost advantage of 23.9% relative to the United States.