Calgary's technology sector is receiving another major boost as global IT services leader HCLTech announces plans to establish a significant presence in the city's downtown core. The Indian-based technology giant will open a client co-innovation and delivery centre in the Ampersand tower, marking a strategic expansion into Western Canada.
Strategic Expansion into Western Canada
According to Dave Chopra, HCLTech's executive vice-president and Canada country head, the decision to invest in Calgary was "almost a no-brainer" given the city's economic strength and the company's existing business in the region. The new office will serve as a customer collaboration space focused on three key growth areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
"When this office goes live, you will see that it is going to be incorporated into our network of AI labs across the world," Chopra stated in an interview, highlighting the global significance of the Calgary location.
Job Creation and Talent Development
The company has committed to creating at least 250 positions within five years, though Chopra indicated their plans are actually more aggressive than this baseline. HCLTech will be recruiting both experienced technology professionals and fresh graduates from Alberta's colleges and universities, including MBA graduates.
"Western Canada is a market of its own," Chopra emphasized, explaining the strategic importance of establishing a physical presence in Calgary. The head of HCLTech's Western Canada business unit will be based in the new office, underscoring the region's importance to the company's North American operations.
Building on Alberta's Tech Momentum
HCLTech, which employs more than 225,000 people across 60 countries and generates annual revenues exceeding $14 billion, already maintains significant Canadian operations. The company currently employs nearly 3,000 people across centres in Vancouver, Moncton, and Mississauga, with approximately 25 percent based in Alberta.
This marks HCLTech's second major Alberta investment following the 2022 opening of an innovation centre in Edmonton focused on engineering and R&D services. The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Crown corporation Invest Alberta to advance technology collaboration throughout the province.
The announcement comes during a period of strong growth for Calgary's technology industry, which has seen increased venture capital investment and sector expansion over the past six years. HCLTech's commitment adds to the momentum building in Western Canada's technology ecosystem, positioning Calgary as an increasingly important hub for global IT innovation.
