Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications equipment maker, has signed a multi-year research partnership with the University of Toronto to accelerate innovation in AI-powered mobile communications.
The agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony at the university on 18 February, establishes an initial three-year framework under which Ericsson will invest $1 million to advance the technological infrastructure underpinning wireless communications.
The partnership will pursue industry-linked projects aimed at solving real-world research problems in mobile communications, mobile computing, and machine learning, with a focus on next-generation wireless technologies.
It will also develop talent attraction and training strategies to equip students with skills required by the technology sector.
Nishant Grover, president of Ericsson Canada, said the deal represented a strategic investment in Canada's innovation ecosystem, advancing research, developing skilled talent, and strengthening foundations for secure next-generation wireless technologies.
Professor Leah Cowen, vice president of research and innovation at the University of Toronto, said the university had a long track record of working with Ericsson to develop next-generation technology and described the arrangement as a win-win proposition.
"This strategic partnership is a great opportunity to take things to the next level," Cowen said.
Ericsson's Ottawa facility is the company's largest research and development centre for wireless communications across the Americas and is considered one of North America's most advanced R&D labs.
Related reading
- ChipAgents raises $74 million to scale agentic AI
- Fifteen tech companies from ten countries form alliance on transparency and data protection
- Google.org launches $30m AI for Science challenge
The deal comes as Canada seeks to position itself as a hub for advanced wireless and AI research, with industry-academic partnerships increasingly seen as a key mechanism for retaining talent and boosting the country's competitiveness in global technology markets.
The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world's leading research universities, with particular strength in engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
The recap
- Ericsson and University of Toronto sign multi-year R&D partnership.
- $1 million investment from Ericsson to Canadian R&D infrastructure.
- Initial three-year framework governs collaboration and project activities.
