Morguard Corporation, in partnership with CENGN (Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks) and Nokia, has launched three Smart Building Living Labs in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. This $6.5 million initiative will accelerate the development and adoption of smart building technologies that make properties safer, more energy-efficient, and more connected.

The Living Labs transform three Morguard properties — Place Innovation in Montreal, The Bay Club in Toronto, and St. Laurent Shopping Centre in Ottawa — into real-world testing environments. Canadian startups and scaleups will have access to advanced 5G connectivity from Nokia and technical expertise from CENGN to test, validate, and refine their innovations in live commercial settings.

These environments will support the development of breakthrough technologies such as AI-driven predictive maintenance systems, automated robotics for building operations, and real-time energy optimization sensors. The solutions will be designed to integrate seamlessly into daily building management operations, creating smarter, more resilient spaces across Canada’s built environment.

“Together with CENGN, Morguard is proud to bring advanced smart building innovation into Canada’s technology ecosystem,” said Angela Sahi, President and COO of Morguard. “These Living Labs reflect our commitment to building sustainable, connected communities while driving long-term value and resilience across our real estate portfolio.”

The Smart Building Living Labs are part of CENGN’s national Living Lab Initiative, which is supported by a $45 million federal investment through the Strategic Response Fund. The program aims to help more than 100 Canadian startups and scaleups accelerate market readiness and scale their solutions globally.

“Nokia is proud to support CENGN’s Living Labs with advanced 5G and fiber technologies,” said Jeff Maddox, President of Nokia Canada. “Our collaboration will continue to drive digital transformation across Canada and pave the way for Industry 4.0.”

According to Chris Joyce, CENGN’s Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, “These Living Labs combine real-world infrastructure with expert technical support and funding to help innovators bring next-generation solutions to market faster. Together, we’re strengthening Canada’s leadership in smart buildings, IoT, AI, and advanced communications.”

Canadian startups and scaleups interested in testing their solutions in the Smart Building Living Labs can apply through CENGN’s Living Lab Initiative at this link.

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