Advancing innovations in defence and security

Area X.O helps accelerate the development, testing, validation, demonstration of new security and defence technology-driven products and services. As a G7 capital city and headquarters for most federal government departments, Ottawa is the national hub for Canada’s Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) sector. 

Anchored by Fortune 500 companies, Ottawa has a cluster of globally competitive ADS small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies have large reservoirs of top talent. In fact, our region is home to more than 190 companies that employ 10,000+ professionals with ADS expertise.

Test and prove 

Area X.O is a rich test facility and proving ground with: 

  • Access to prospective ADS R&D business collaborators, customers, investors and suppliers
  • More than 1,800 acres of gated land 
  • Advanced networks, including pre-commercial 5G
  • A selection of CAVs and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Collaborate with global leaders 

Area X.O is proud to support and collaborate with global leaders in defence, public safety and security, including:

  • Companies such as Provectus Robotics Solutions and Irdeto 
  • Law enforcement, first responders and public safety organizations
  • Government departments and agencies, including:
    • Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
    • Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND)
    • Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
    • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and 
    • Unmanned Systems Canada
Why Ottawa? Why Area X.O?

“Irdeto is a world leader in digital platform security that provides solutions for video, gaming, connected transport, connected manufacturing and connected health solutions.  Although our headquarters is in the Netherlands, Ottawa represents one of our largest R&D offices. Canada’s Capital offers such a diverse workforce with top tech talent and industry-grade infrastructure and facilities such as Area X.O. It is exactly what we need to compete internationally. It just couldn’t be a better fit for a company like ours.”

Andrew Williams, Senior Systems Architect, Connected Transport, Irdeto (Ottawa)

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