Toronto is a hotbed for AI and machine learning.
Ranked 4th globally by the Economist’s Liveability Index, Toronto has both the civic qualities and critical mass of technology innovators to make this an ideal city for AI entrepreneurs.
One of the 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
Home to the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research led by Chief Scientific Advisor, Geoffrey Hinton
Toronto has 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.
80% of tech labour force in Toronto has a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate. Nine universities and colleges offer over 60 technology-related programs to prepare students for careers in the tech sector.
Toronto’s 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 3rd largest centre for tech firms in NA with offices for Google, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Airbnb, Uber (ATG) and more
Home to lower business costs than the 31 largest cities in the U.S.
Toronto believes diversity is a strength.
Globally connected residents that collectively speak 180 languages and dialects and understand the cultural landscape and nuances of doing business internationally.
52% of ventures supported by MaRS (Toronto’s largest incubation hub) have founders who came from overseas.
Canada has always been a champion of AI research. The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and National Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada were early funders of artificial intelligence research and continues to support AI innovators.
AI pioneers such as Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio and Rich Sutton received support in Canada, years before machine learning research funding went mainstream.
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SRED) program provides R&D tax credits to companies of any size for conducting Research & Development activities in Canada.
Canada believes good business thrives because of multiculturalism and diversity. We prioritize talent immigration for small, high-growth businesses.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program fast-tracks visa applications for global entrepreneurs moving to Canada who have been accepted by designated entities.
Canada’s Global Skills Strategy expedites the visa process, making it easier for Canadian businesses to attract the top-tier talent they need to succeed.
Canada’s 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’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.
Consistently rated one of best countries in the world to live in.