Montréal’s booming tech sector draws industry bigwigs
Uncover the secrets of this booming tech town.
Montréal is known for its life sciences, its engineering, its artificial intelligence sectors… all of which have budding technologies in common. It’s no surprise that it’s a force in software development and information & communication technologies too. Montréal is a global centre for tech innovation whose thriving economy and large pool of highly qualified talent are boosted by the most competitive operating costs of any major metropolitan area in Canada and the United States.
A huge talent pool
Montréal has been ranked among the Top 10 hubs in North America when it comes to the concentration of tech jobs. The city counts a highly qualified bilingual workforce of more than 180,000 tech workers, as well as a pool of talent with complementary skills, including 100,000+ software developers and 50,000+ cybersecurity workers. On top of that, it’s estimated that Montréal has 30,000 more enrolled in IT-related programs in Québec — making Montréal’s the highest number of tech graduates in Canada.
A booming tech ecosystem
Choosing Montréal to develop your business means taking advantage of a cutting-edge technological ecosystem. As reported by Montréal International, Montréal has been classed as one of the best places to invest in AI in North America, the sixth-largest North American hub for life sciences and health technology, a global hot spot for cutting-edge expertise in fintech, and the top city in Canada for cybersecurity study programs, courses, research chairs and university labs. The metropolis offers an advantageous business environment, not to mention an exceptional quality of life and the most competitive operating costs of the 20 largest cities in Canada and the United States.
Some global greats who’ve chosen Montréal
Montréal has attracted over 6,800 tech companies to establish either outposts or headquarters here. Global leaders Google, Microsoft and Meta have made Montréal their AI R&D centre. Other major players include:
- GoSecure
- OnePoint
- Morgan Stanley
- SAP
- CGI
- IBM
- Fujitsu
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Ericsson
- Alten
- DeepMind
- Samsung
- Ivado
World-renowned Montréal tech companies
Canada has been ranked the most attractive country in the world for entrepreneurs in the past according to the OECD, and Montréal takes pride is its rich community of homegrown tech entrepreneurs. They’ve founded companies you’ve probably heard of:
Nuvei
This global financial technology powerhouse provides payment processing and financial services solutions to businesses around the world. Following its record-breaking Canadian technology IPO in 2020, Nuvei returned to private ownership in 2024 through a US$6.3-billion transaction led by Advent International, with Montréal remaining its headquarters.
Coveo Solutions Inc.
A leader in AI-powered enterprise search, personalization and digital experiences, Coveo helps global businesses deliver more relevant content, product recommendations and customer interactions. Its AI-Relevance platform is helping shape the future of e-commerce, customer service and workplace knowledge discovery.
Lightspeed
Founded in Montréal, Lightspeed has become a major international commerce technology company, providing integrated point-of-sale, payments and business management solutions. Its cloud-based platform supports retail, hospitality and golf businesses in more than 100 countries, helping them streamline operations and grow.
CGI
Founded in Montréal in 1976, CGI celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 as one of the world's largest independent IT and business consulting firms. With approximately 94,000 professionals across 400 locations worldwide and annual revenue of $15.9 billion in fiscal 2025, the company helps organizations accelerate digital transformation, integrate AI and modernize their operations.
Hopper
This Montréal-born travel technology innovator uses AI and predictive analytics to help travellers find competitive prices on flights, hotels and rental cars. Beyond its popular consumer app, Hopper has expanded its reach through Hopper Technology Solutions, providing travel booking technology and fintech products to major international partners.
Workleap
Formerly known as GSoft, Workleap develops AI-powered software that helps organizations improve employee engagement, performance management and compensation practices. Its growing suite of workplace tools, including Officevibe, is trusted by more than 70,000 leaders worldwide.
CAE
A global leader in simulation and training technologies, CAE develops advanced solutions for civil aviation and defence and security. With training sites and operations spanning more than 40 countries, the Montréal-headquartered company uses cutting-edge simulation technology to prepare aviation professionals and defence personnel for complex real-world situations.
Learn more about Montréal’s opportunities for software development and ICT companies from our colleagues at Montréal International. Or get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!