India-based IT solutions provider Mphasis has announced plans to set up a new Canadian headquarters in Calgary, and hire for 500 to 1,000 new tech jobs over the next two years.
To accomplish these goals, Mphasis has reached a strategic, public-private partnership with the Government of Alberta and the University of Calgary.
The partnership aims to accelerate the development of a quantum computing ecosystem in Calgary.
Through this partnership, the trio aims to accelerate the development of a quantum computing ecosystem in Calgary and spur job creation in the province’s tech sector, as Calgary works to diversify its economy beyond the oil and gas sector.
“We are delighted that this collaboration will elevate Mphasis’ expansion of its operations in Canada, while promoting [Alberta’s] position as a global hub for next generation technology, including quantum computing,” said Nitin Rakesh, Mphasis’ executive director and CEO.
Mphasis already has regional offices in Canada, including in Mississauga, which are part of its North American operations.
The deal will see the establishment of Quantum City Centre of Excellence, focused on the commercial development of quantum technologies and also aimed at strengthening the University of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem.
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Through the partnership, the University of Calgary plans to work with Mphasis to develop experiential learning programs using Mphasis’ proprietary platform.
Naheed Nenshi, Calgary’s mayor, said a mission to India last year helped persuade Mphasis to choose the city, adding that the decision reflects Calgary’s “growing reputation” and “global recognition” as a “burgeoning technology ecosystem.”
“This is the start of something big,” said Ed McCauley, president of the University of Calgary. “Quantum technologies often sound like science fiction today, but they will sound like pay cheques tomorrow.”
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With the announcement, Mphasis has become the second major Indian tech services firm in the last few months to reveal plans to expand its presence in Calgary, joining Infosys.
In a move supported by Calgary Economic Development and the Invest Alberta Corporation, the international digital services and consulting company said in March that it plans to hire 500 employees in Calgary over the next three years, and double its Canadian presence overall to 4,000.
Feature image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
