Thales opens National Digital Excellence Centre
The new Thales National Digital Excellence Centre in the Cyber Centre at Fredericton’s Knowledge Park has officially opened. NDEC represents Thales’ commitment to deep cyber capabilities, innovation and collaboration, offering integrated cyber and digital solutions to organizations, mission critical systems and critical infrastructure in both the commercial and the defence community. As part of Thales’ commitment to strengthening communities and building a better collective future, the NDEC will also be home to partnered education and R&D initiatives.
The NDEC was established in 2023 in partnership with the University of New Brunswick’s McKenna Institute and local economic development agency Ignite, with support from the Government of New Brunswick, through Opportunities New Brunswick and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, and from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“The grand opening of NDEC will serve as a catalyst for growth and opportunity, providing educational institutions, academia, start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses, industry, and governments with the resources to collaboratively develop advanced cyber and digital technologies, enhance their capabilities, and strengthen our collective cyber resilience in the face of emerging challenges in Canada,” said Chris Pogue, CEO, Thales Canada. “I want to thank our partners for their commitment to our vision for the NDEC.”
The NDEC Canada will offer R&D facilities meant to facilitate collaboration with start-ups, industry partners and the academic research community to develop the most advanced solutions possible. In coordination with key stakeholders, the NDEC is proudly supporting the development of an education pilot program, along with the creation of opportunities for student placements and joint work with underrepresented groups.
"I am delighted to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada for the NDEC's official opening, underscoring our dedication to making Atlantic Canada a hub for cybersecurity innovation and talent,” said Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton. “By fostering collaborations between local entities like UNB’s McKenna Institute and Ignite, and global partners like Thales Group, we're harnessing Canada's skilled workforce to advance the cybersecurity sector for the future."
MP Atwin spoke on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Government of New Brunswick, through ONB and PETL, has committed up to $7.5 million in over five years to support Thales’ commitment to job creation, digital trust and resilience. It is estimated that the facility will contribute up to $63 million in direct provincial GDP over a five-year period.
“The grand opening of the Thales National Digital Excellence Centre in New Brunswick is a testament to our province’s unique strengths and positions us as a prime destination for global investment and growth,” said Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “This initiative has bolstered our cybersecurity sector, fostered key partnerships, and contributed to a thriving local ecosystem, all while driving economic development in our province and supporting the company’s growth across North America.”
“Cybersecurity is a growing sector that’s not only making valuable contributions to business, but by creating job opportunities for skilled New Brunswickers” said Jean-Claude D’Amours, acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. “WorkingNB is proud to contribute to the Thales Canada’s Digital Excellence Centre and we look forward to its future contributions to the province.”
Thales is committed to Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and will continue to make strategic investments to achieve its current and future obligations incurred from Canadian defence procurements.