Nokia has begun construction on a new 750,000-square-foot research and development campus in Ottawa, marking a major step forward for Canada’s technology ecosystem. The company, already one of Ottawa’s largest employers, is replacing the traditional office model with a workplace designed around employee experience, innovation, and community growth.
The new campus in North Kanata will include 450,000 square feet of advanced lab space — almost twice what Nokia has now — and 300,000 square feet of office space. Nearly 2,000 employees will work on the campus once it opens, gaining access to upgraded labs, modern workspaces, and a wide range of amenities.
Nokia is responding to new workplace trends highlighted in Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey. Employees want more variety in their work environment, including creative spaces, quiet areas, and nature-based retreats. To meet these needs, the office building will include libraries, collaboration hubs, meeting rooms, social break spaces on every floor, kitchens, games areas, wellness rooms, multi-faith spaces, and decompression pods.
In the lab area, Nokia will install more than 2,800 four-post racks across four floors, all supported by advanced cooling systems and designed for future expansion. This space will give Nokia the room it needs to test new technologies and drive its research goals.
At the heart of the new campus is “The Link,” a flexible atrium that connects the lab and office buildings. With a café, seating areas, and space for events, it will serve as a community hub for daily interaction, town halls, and large gatherings.
Nokia is also contributing to the growth of Ottawa’s tech region. Its older buildings will be transformed into a mixed-use district with homes, shops, offices, and public spaces. Located within Canada’s largest tech park, the new campus will help attract top global talent while strengthening the city’s role as a national innovation center.
Employees have also shown a strong desire for nature-based work environments. Nokia’s campus will include green outdoor areas, walking paths, a courtyard, and biophilic design elements such as natural wood and plants. Fitness facilities, bike storage with showers, and potential sports courts will support employee well-being.
By focusing on flexibility, comfort, and innovation, Nokia’s new campus is setting a fresh example for the future workplace. The development is expected to boost productivity, support long-term growth, and help Canada’s tech industry remain competitive on the world stage.
