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Information and Communications Technologies
With an extensive fibre optic network, Thunder Bay has excellent communication and technology infrastructure. The educated labour force grows annually by approximately 3,600 new graduates from Lakehead University and Confederation College.
Thunder Bay’s Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector is a dynamic cluster of businesses that includes telecommunications, film, television, technology, digital and computer services organizations. Innovation and creativity are integrated into every aspect of the ICT sector.
The ICT is supported by Thunder Bay’s economic advantages, the brightest talent and local telecommunications infrastructure, as well as supporting agencies such as the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre.
ICT Advantages
Thunder Bay is considered to be equal to other urban areas in terms of communications infrastructure. An extensive fibre optic network gives the ability to provide high-speed digital voice and data access. All major telecommunications firms provide services in Thunder Bay including Tbaytel, Bell, Shaw, Telus and Virgin.
Thunder Bay has a diverse and highly skilled labour pool. Together, Lakehead University and Confederation College graduate thousands of students every year and offer programs such as: Computing Sciences, Broadcasting-Television Production, Film Production, Multimedia Production, Electronics Engineering-Computer Control, Electrical Engineering Technology, Visual Arts, Engineering – Bachelor- Software, Engineering Tech- Software, Bioinformatics and Mathematics.
Incentives
The NOIC is a non-profit organization, funded by both private and public support, with a mandate to support sustained economic development initiatives and encourage cooperation and synergy between business, education and government. The NOIC offers its patrons a wide range of assistance including business advisory services, market research, product development collaboration and access to its advanced IT training lab and meeting room facilities. Visit the NOIC website for more information.
NOHFC is a provincial corporation and development agency that invests in northern businesses and municipalities through conditional contributions, forgivable performance loans, incentive term loans and loan guarantees. The NOHFC is interested in hearing how your business plans will benefit the North and create jobs for the region. Visit the NOHFC website for more information on the seven funding programs that can help launch or sustain your business. Visit the NOHFC website for more funding information.
Under FedNor’s Innovation priority, businesses can apply for project financing for activities related to applied research and development (R&D) that have commercial market potential. This would include initiatives that increase the level of innovation, productivity, quality and competitiveness in key sectors such as ICT. Visit the FedNor website for more funding information.
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) supports research projects on a selective basis with grants. Visit the NRC website for more funding information.
The Scientific Research and Experimental Tax Credit (SR&ED) is a federal incentive that gives Canadian Controlled Private Corporations a refundable investment tax credit of SR&ED. Visit the SR&ED website for more funding information.
Our Information and Communication Technologies Sector
Thunder Bay’s Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector is a dynamic cluster of digital businesses that includes telecommunications, film, television and computer organizations. Innovation and creativity are driving forces of the ICT sector and Thunder Bay’s thriving industry enables collaboration and networking that have endless
creative possibilities. The ICT sector is supported by Thunder Bay’s educated labour force, stable and collaborative business environment, and the telecommunications infrastructure.