Fortinet, U.S.-Based Cybersecurity Firm, to Establish New Tech Hub in Calgary

Fortinet’s investment of $30 million CAD to establish a cybersecurity technology hub in downtown Calgary reflects the company’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions. This strategic move signifies Fortinet’s recognition of the importance of fostering technological innovation and expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

Forbes reported a widening gap between global demand and cyber workforce capacity, reaching 3.4 million people in 2022. This represents a substantial 26 percent increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the escalating challenges in meeting the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

The Government of Alberta’s Innovation and Growth Fund is set to contribute just over $3 million CAD in grant funding to support Fortinet’s cybersecurity technology hub in Calgary. Fortinet will invest the remaining funds from private sources. Invest Alberta and Calgary Economic Development are providing strategic support for the hub, which encompasses a data center, a training facility, and a “centre of excellence.”

Fortinet’s cybersecurity technology hub in Calgary aims to tackle the talent and diversity gap in the cybersecurity sector. The hub will collaborate with post-secondary institutions, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the University of Alberta, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and leverage Fortinet’s cybersecurity training curriculum to address workforce challenges in the industry.

Fortinet plans to establish its cybersecurity technology hub in downtown Calgary, investing $30 million CAD to address workforce challenges in the cybersecurity sector. The hub will include a data center, a training facility, and a “centre of excellence.” Fortinet aims to collaborate with post-secondary institutions to provide cybersecurity training and plans to hire over 100 staff by the end of 2025. The Government of Alberta’s Innovation and Growth Fund is contributing over $3 million CAD in grant funding for the project.

Fortinet’s expansion in Calgary not only aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities but also focuses on creating employment opportunities and fostering cybersecurity talent through training and development programs. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to contributing to the local workforce and advancing cybersecurity expertise in the region.

Fortinet’s decision to establish its cybersecurity technology hub in Calgary was influenced by a combination of factors, including provincial support from the Government of Alberta’s Innovation and Growth Fund. Invest Alberta played a crucial role in connecting Fortinet with incentives and introductions to the local business community, while Calgary Economic Development is providing strategic development support. The favorable environment, marked by a 20 percent annual employee growth rate in Alberta, further solidified the region as an ideal location for Fortinet’s cybersecurity facility.

The cybersecurity sector, recognizing the growing concern around cyberattacks, has been actively addressing its talent gap. Initiatives such as Fortinet’s investment in a cybersecurity technology hub in Calgary, supported by provincial funding and strategic collaboration, contribute to fostering talent and innovation in the industry.

The increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting institutions like the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, the RCMP, and Global Affairs Canada highlights the evolving threat landscape. The need for robust cybersecurity measures and continuous vigilance becomes paramount in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the resilience of critical organizations.

The persistent cybersecurity workforce gap, highlighted by Forbes, underlines the urgency for industry-wide efforts to address the shortage of skilled professionals. Diversifying the workforce is crucial for fostering innovation and resilience, as evidenced by the underrepresentation of Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals.

Initiatives such as Thales Group’s cybersecurity hub in Fredericton and the ongoing support for the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst play key roles in cultivating collaboration, skills development, and research. These efforts collectively contribute to building a robust and diverse cybersecurity ecosystem to confront evolving cyber threats.