The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor combines strategic location with unmatched opportunities in tech, manufacturing and automotive – attracting some of the world’s most innovative companies.
Not only is it recognized as one of the top twelve global powerhouse markets in CBRE’s 2024 Global Tech Talent Guidebook, but the Corridor is also renowned for its strong history in manufacturing and leadership in automotive innovation – a true triple threat.
This article outlines key highlights from our three-part series on the Corridor’s strengths in three of Canada’s fastest-growing industries, with links to dive deeper into each one.
Canada’s home for top tech
Home to over 343,000 tech professionals, 5,200+ startups and two of Canada’s top three tech universities, the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor powers the country’s tech innovation engine.
- Companies like Google, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, 1Password, Bosch and EPAM Systems are drawn by the region’s world-class talent and history of groundbreaking ideas.
- The Corridor fosters collaboration between startups, research institutions and global leaders in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum, cybersecurity and fintech.
- Both Toronto and Waterloo regions are in North America’s top-3 markets for young tech talent growth, providing a growing pool of talent in their 20s and 30s.
- Businesses can partner with renowned research centres and hubs like the Vector Institute, Ontario Centre of Innovation, Communitech, Velocity and MaRS Discovery District.
Read more: The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor: Canada’s Home for Top Tech
A manufacturing magnet
With a manufacturing legacy spanning more than 150 years, our community knows a thing or two about building things that last.
- Home to over 13,000 manufacturing companies, two international airports with shipping capacity, and five US border crossings within a short drive.
- Major players like Nestle, Proctor & Gamble, NavBlue, Heroux-Devtek, Dare Foods, PepsiCo, Beckhoff Automation and Siemens have operations here.
- Over 450,000 skilled workers support the manufacturing sector, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
- Canada offers a tariff-free zone for industrial manufacturers, providing significant cost advantages.
Read more: Why the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor is a Manufacturing Magnet
An automotive leader
More than 200 companies in the Corridor are driving automotive and mobility innovation, combining tech and manufacturing expertise to set the bar high in this fast-moving industry.
- Ontario’s Automotive Corridor runs through the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, hosting all six Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) operating in Canada, including Toyota, Ford and Stellantis.
- Facilities like the Ontario Battery and Electrochemistry Research Centre and the University of Toronto’s Electric Vehicle Research Centre (UTEV) are advancing EV technologies.
- 58,000+ people are employed in automotive manufacturing, with startups like Waabi, SWTCH and Acerta revolutionizing automotive tech – and established companies like Linamar investing in sustainable solutions to drive the industry forward.
Read more: Setting the Pace: Toronto-Waterloo Leads in Automotive & Mobility
So, why invest here?
If you’re looking for a community rich with innovation, support and investment opportunities, this is the place.
Canada’s $360M National Quantum Strategy, the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) and the Strategic Innovation Fund are just a few examples of the many federal, provincial and municipal incentives and programs that businesses can benefit from.
With over half a million students across 16 post-secondary institutions, the Corridor provides an abundant talent pipeline. Business-friendly immigration programs like the Global Talent Stream also simplify international hiring, enabling companies to process work permits in as little as two weeks.
A region built for the future
Few regions can match the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor’s ability to deliver cutting-edge innovation a variety of industries. That’s why it’s the perfect location for businesses to expand and scale.
From attracting global tech giants to supporting advanced manufacturing and pushing boundaries in automotive and mobility, the Corridor is proving for what’s possible when technology, talent and tenacity come together.
Curious how the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor stacks up against other Canadian tech hubs? Dive into our analysis of CBRE’s latest Scoring Tech Talent report.
Want to learn more about opportunities in the Corridor? Connect with our team today.