Fujitsu Joins Tech Companies in BC
Fujitsu announced in fall 2018 the establishment of a new company in British Columbia to lead the strategy for its global artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum-inspired technology businesses. By establishing this critical hub outside Japan, Fujitsu aims to gain an understanding of customer needs worldwide and establish itself as a central player in North American and global markets.
Fujitsu is a leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 132,000 Fujitsu employees support customers in more than 100 countries. Located in Vancouver, Fujitsu Intelligence Technology will help grow Fujitsu’s global AI and quantum-inspired technologies, leveraging the innovative solutions developed by Fujitsu in Japan and around the world and supplying them back to each region as global offerings.
The company decided to establish its AI headquarters in British Columbia due to the province’s numerous research institutes and diverse business ecosystem. B.C. offers a talented workforce, competitive taxes, convenient time zone and a highly entrepreneurial and multicultural tech community focused on innovation, collaboration and growth. Trade and Invest British Columbia worked with Invest in Canada at the federal level, as well as with municipal partner, Vancouver Economic Commission, on a joint effort to attract Fujitsu to the province. On June 27, 2019, with attendance from Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, Bruce Ralston, the Government of British Columbia welcomed and celebrated the grand opening of Fujitsu’s AI headquarters.
The Digital Technology Supercluster is led by British Columbia as part of the Government of Canada’s $950-million Innovation Superclusters Initiative. Through bigger, better datasets and cutting-edge applications of augmented reality, cloud computing and machine learning, this supercluster will improve service delivery and efficiency in the natural resource, precision health and manufacturing sectors.
With multiple technology clusters in cities such as Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia is a magnet for major global companies as well as fast growing start-ups. These firms are drawn to the diverse and highly skilled tech talent found here. Vancouver has 800 – 1,100 tech start-ups contributing to a vibrant tech ecosystem with abundant, innovative talent. The tech sector in Greater Victoria also experienced significant growth over the past decade, with industry revenues increasing more than fourfold from $1 billion in 2004 to $4 billion in 2017. Additionally, the Okanagan tech sector has witnessed a year-over-year economic growth of 15% since 2013 and is now estimated to contribute $1.67 billion to the region’s economy.
British Columbia’s reputation for technology innovation provides a range of investment opportunities. If you want to invest in a thriving technology or media sector, or do business with innovative companies in these sectors, contact us at [email protected] for details about our services, or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter to explore the advantages British Columbia offers.
