Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks is collaborating with companies to launch a series of “Smart Building Living Labs” throughout the country.
The Labs, which will be located in Canadian tech hubs Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, will aim to support and advance sustainable technologies.
CENGN is collaborating with Mississauga-based real estate developer Morguard Corporation as well as Finnish tech titan Nokia on the $6.5M project.
At each Lab, utilizing Morguard properties and Nokia technology, innovators will be able to validate solutions such as AI systems that predict equipment failures, robotics that automate maintenance, and sensors that reduce energy use in real time, according to a statement from the organizations.
“By leveraging our comprehensive program services and funding alongside our partner’s real-world smart building environments, we enable Canadian innovators to bring their cutting edge technologies to market faster and with greater confidence,” believes Chris Joyce, who serves as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for CENGN.
“This initiative strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in building automation, IoT, advanced communications, and applied AI technology,” Joyce continued. “These technologies are key to transforming building infrastructure maintenance and operations, and supporting the country’s economic resilience and long-term growth.”
Angela Sahi, President of Morguard, says that the Labs launch is about “building resilience, driving sustainability, and leading change in the real estate industry.”
“These labs reflect our commitment to advancing smart, sustainable properties while accelerating technologies that improve the everyday lives of the people who live, work and shop in our communities,” Sahi stated.
Building on a “longstanding relationship” with CENGN, Nokia is “committed to encouraging technology innovation and digital transformation across Canada by providing advanced networking resources and our leadership to pave the way for Industry 4.0,” according to Jeff Maddox, President of Nokia Canada.
The Smart Building Living Labs are part of CENGN’s Living Lab Initiative, supported by a $45 million federal investment through the Strategic Response Fund.
CENGN, Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks was established in Ottawa in 2014.
Founded in Ontario in 1905 as an automobile parts manufacture, Morguard today owns and manages a portfolio of assets valued at nearly $19 billion.