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Highlights

  • Three Morguard properties repurposed as Smart Building Living Labs across Canada.
  • Labs offer startups testing opportunities with 5G, AI, robotics, and energy systems.
  • Initiative receives CAD 45M in federal funding to promote technology innovation in Canada.

Morguard Corporation (TSX:MRC), together with CENGN, Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, and Nokia, has inaugurated three Smart Building Living Labs located in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. The CAD 6.5M project converts select Morguard properties into real-world innovation environments, enabling startups and scaleups to develop, test, and validate new building technologies.

The Living Labs consist of Place Innovation, an office property in Montreal; The Bay Club, a multi-unit residential property in Toronto; and St. Laurent Shopping Centre, a retail property in Ottawa. With Nokia’s 5G and advanced connectivity at the core, the labs allow innovators to trial solutions such as AI systems for predicting equipment failures, robotics to automate maintenance, and sensors to monitor and optimize energy consumption. All technologies are designed for seamless integration into daily building operations.

Management Statements

Angela Sahi, President and COO of Morguard, said, “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”

Jeff Maddox, President of Nokia Canada, stated, “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.”

CENGN Living Lab Initiative

The Smart Building Living Labs are part of CENGN’s broader Living Lab Initiative, funded with CAD 45M through the Strategic Response Fund. The initiative is designed to support over 100 Canadian startups and scaleups, giving them access to technical guidance, real-world testing environments, and resources to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of innovative digital solutions.

About Morguard Corporation

Morguard Corporation is a North American real estate and property management company with a diversified portfolio, including retail, office, industrial, hotel, and residential holdings.

About CENGN

CENGN focuses on fostering the development and adoption of applied AI, IoT, and advanced networking technologies in Canada. Through its Living Lab Initiative, CENGN provides startups with access to testing services, real-world operational environments, and resources that help accelerate the commercialization of digital innovations.