Morguard, CENGN and Nokia Launch Smart Building Living Labs to Support Canadian Technology Innovation
MWN-AI** Summary
Morguard Corporation, in collaboration with CENGN (Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks) and Nokia, has announced the launch of three Smart Building Living Labs in Canada—located in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. This $6.5 million initiative is designed to support Canadian startups and scaleups by providing innovative environments to test and advance technologies aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of buildings.
The Labs will transform select Morguard properties into real-world testing grounds for various technologies. These locations include Place Innovation in Montreal, The Bay Club in Toronto, and St. Laurent Shopping Centre in Ottawa. With the integration of Nokia's advanced 5G technology, innovators will have an opportunity to validate their solutions, which may include artificial intelligence systems for predicting equipment failures, robotics for automating maintenance, and real-time energy management sensors.
Angela Sahi, President and COO of Morguard, emphasized the company's commitment to fostering sustainable smart properties while delivering long-term value to stakeholders. The initiative is part of CENGN's broader Living Lab Initiative, which has received $45 million in federal support, aiming to prepare over 100 Canadian startups for market entries.
Jeff Maddox, President of Nokia Canada, expressed pride in being a key technology partner for CENGN and underscored Nokia's role in promoting digital transformation across Canada.
Chris Joyce, Vice President of CENGN, highlighted that the Living Labs would enhance Canada's position in technologies like IoT and applied AI, vital for transforming building maintenance and operations.
Startups and scaleups interested in participating in this initiative can apply through the CENGN website, marking a significant step in the evolution of smart building technology in Canada.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent collaboration between Morguard, CENGN, and Nokia to launch Smart Building Living Labs is a notable development in the Canadian technology landscape, particularly within the real estate and innovation sectors. With a $6.5 million investment, these labs aim to provide a platform for startups and scaleups to develop and validate technologies focused on efficiency, safety, and connectivity in building management. The initiative aligns with Canada’s broader push towards technological innovation, driven by federal support through the Strategic Response Fund.
For investors, this project represents a unique opportunity to engage in a burgeoning market characterized by the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Morguard's extensive portfolio, valued at $18.7 billion, coupled with its operational leadership in the real estate sector, positions it as a key player in this transformation. The application of 5G and AI technologies—such as predictive maintenance and real-time energy management—will likely enhance property values and operating efficiencies.
Nokia’s involvement, as a leader in advanced connectivity solutions, further reinforces the potential for substantial advancements in smart building technologies. Investors looking to capitalize on this trend should monitor Morguard's stock performance and consider potential long-term gains as the company leverages these innovations to attract tenants and increase operational efficiency.
Furthermore, as CENGN supports over 100 Canadian startups, there may be opportunities for diversification in investments across these new ventures. As building automation and IoT technologies evolve, companies that focus on these areas could yield significant returns.
In summary, the Smart Building Living Labs initiative can potentially accelerate growth in the Canadian real estate sector and technology markets. Investors should keep an eye on Morguard’s developments, the broader implications for building management, and associated tech startups that emerge from this initiative.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Canada NewsWire
MISSISSAUGA, ON , Oct. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Morguard Corporation ("Morguard"), in partnership with CENGN, Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, and Nokia, announced the launch of three Smart Building Living Labs in Montreal , Toronto and Ottawa . The $6 .5 million project gives Canadian startups and scaleups a unique opportunity to advance technologies that make buildings safer, more efficient and more connected.
The Living Labs transform three Morguard properties into real-world innovation environments: Place Innovation, an office property in Montreal ; The Bay Club, a multi-suite residential property in Toronto ; and St. Laurent Shopping Centre, a retail property in Ottawa . With Nokia's 5G and advanced connectivity at the core, innovators will be able to validate solutions such as AI systems that predict equipment failures, robotics that automate maintenance, and sensors that reduce energy use in real time. All projects will be designed to integrate seamlessly into daily operations.
"With CENGN, Morguard is proud to bring advanced smart buildings into Canada's innovation ecosystem. These labs reflect our commitment to advancing smart, sustainable properties while accelerating technologies that improve the everyday lives of the people who live, work and shop in our communities. At the same time, they highlight our dedication to creating long-term value for our stakeholders by building resilience, driving sustainability, and leading change in the real estate industry." Angela Sahi, President and COO, Morguard.
The Smart Building Living Labs are part of CENGN's Living Lab Initiative, supported by a $45 million federal investment through the Strategic Response Fund. This national initiative will empower more than 100 Canadian startups and scaleups to prepare their technology solutions for market-readiness and scaled growth.
"Nokia is proud to be one of the main 5G and fiber technology partners for CENGN Living Labs. Continuing our long-standing relationship with CENGN, we are committed to encouraging technology innovation and digital transformation across Canada by providing advanced networking resources and our leadership to pave the way for Industry 4.0." Jeff Maddox , President, Nokia Canada .
CENGN's Living Lab Initiative combines technical expertise with infrastructure from partners like Morguard to fast-track the validation and adoption of digital solutions. "By leveraging our comprehensive program services and funding alongside our partner's real-world smart building environments, we enable Canadian innovators to bring their cutting edge technologies to market faster and with greater confidence. This initiative strengthens Canada's position as a global leader in building automation, IoT, advanced communications, and applied AI technology. These technologies are key to transforming building infrastructure maintenance and operations, and supporting the country's economic resilience and long-term growth." Chris Joyce , Vice President, Business Development and Marketing of CENGN.
Startups and scaleups interested in participating can apply at https://www.cengn.ca/living-lab-initiative/smart-building-living-labs
About CENGN
CENGN, Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, drives innovation and adoption of applied AI, IoT and advanced networking technologies through its Living Lab Initiative, technical expertise and partner ecosystem. CENGN provides access to end-to-end testing services, real end-user environments and the support needed to accelerate validation, demonstration, commercialization and adoption of digital innovation solutions across Canada and globally. For more information on the CENGN Living Labs, visit www.cengn.ca .
About Morguard Corporation
Morguard Corporation is a major North American real estate and property management company with extensive retail, office, industrial, hotel and residential holdings owned directly and through its investments in Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust and Morguard North American Residential REIT. Morguard also provides real estate management services to institutional and other investors. Morguard's owned and managed portfolio of assets is valued at $18 .7 billion. This year, Morguard proudly celebrates 50 years of leadership, innovation and growth in the real estate industry.
For more information, visit www.morguard.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram .
SOURCE Morguard Corporation
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FAQ**
How does the collaboration between Morguard Corporation MRC:CC, CENGN, and Nokia enhance innovation in smart building technologies within the Canadian market?
What specific technologies will startups be able to test and validate in the Smart Building Living Labs initiated by Morguard Corporation MRC:CC?
Can you elaborate on how the $6.5 million investment from Morguard Corporation MRC:CC and its partners will impact sustainable practices in the real estate industry?
What criteria will CENGN use to select Canadian startups and scaleups for participation in the Living Lab Initiative supported by Morguard Corporation MRC:CC?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Morguard Corporation (TSXC: MRC:CC).
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