Indian global tech firm Mphasis to set up Canadian headquarters in Calgary

A major international information technology firm plans to create up to 1,000 jobs as it sets up its Canadian headquarters in Calgary, officials announced on Wednesday. 

India-based Mphasis has formed a partnership with the University of Calgary and the provincial government to establish the Quantum City Centre of Excellence, which is intended to become a hub for companies pursuing the commercial development of quantum technologies, according to a release.

"Thanks to the people and technology cultivated at Quantum City, Calgary's economy will grow and diversify. Quantum technologies often sound like science fiction today, but they will sound like paycheques tomorrow," said U of C president Ed McCauley.

"This is how great research universities improve their community, and it's a great day for UCalgary."

The university and Mphasis will work together on the development of an AI-driven personalized learning experience.

The Calgary operation will create 500 to 1,000 jobs over the next two years, the release said.

Mphasis CEO Nitin Rakesh said the expertise at the U of C's quantum computing lab complements his firm's diverse work in industries such as clean tech, financial services, logistics and energy.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said a mission to India last year helped persuade Mphasis to come to Calgary.

"Mphasis's decision to put their Canadian headquarters in Calgary reflects our city's growing reputation, and our global recognition, as a burgeoning technology ecosystem," said Nenshi.

"It is through the culmination of hard work from partners like the University of Calgary, Calgary Economic Development and Invest Alberta that companies know Calgary as the destination of choice for the world's best entrepreneurs who embrace innovation to solve the world's biggest challenge."