Kate Rogers
Mayor, City of Fredericton
As Atlantic Canada’s Knowledge Capital, Fredericton, New Brunswick is powering the national shift toward a modern, innovation-driven economy
Fredericton, N.B., is an innovation hub that’s fuelling Canada’s nation-building projects and economic development priorities. Having seen its population grow by 35 per cent in the last decade — largely driven by young, educated people seeking opportunities in Fredericton’s research and tech sector, along with a better quality of life — the city is now home to over 2,700 knowledge-based businesses and Atlantic Canada’s largest concentration of knowledge workers. Fredericton also boasts over 60 leading R&D organizations within its Innovation District, anchored by Knowledge Park, the Cyber Centre, and numerous educational institutions, including the University of New Brunswick and its renowned McKenna Institute advancing digital transformation.
The city’s thriving knowledge ecosystem and public-private-university partnerships are driving growth across sectors like defence, construction and housing, natural resources, and technology, vitally contributing to Canada’s ambition of becoming a global leader in science and innovation.
Defence and cybersecurity: Fredericton’s nation-building powerhouse
Fredericton is an engine for talent that’s driving Canada’s most important defence and cyber sectors. With defence readiness and cybersecurity elevated as national priorities, the city’s proximity to Canada’s largest military base (CFB Gagetown) and world-class cyber ecosystem makes it a strategic national asset.
Fredericton is home to innovative research, business and community leaders delivering on national priorities in the cybersecurity, defence, natural resources, and construction sectors, as a vibrant, affordable, smart city, Fredericton is ready to meet the moment.
Mayor Kate Rogers
New Brunswick is proud of its position as the epicentre of Canada’s cybersecurity sector, and Fredericton’s Innovation District includes Cyber Centre (Canada’s most advanced networking and data fibre facility), the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, and world-leading cyber companies. Recent success stories include Opportunities NB attracting Thales Group’s Canadian National Digital Excellence Centre to the province (a first-of-its-kind in Canada research and talent development hub) and the achievements of local technology firms Beauceron Security and HotSpot, both of which were early adoptees from Boost Fredericton, the city’s living lab for civic innovation.
Critical minerals and Sisson Mine: fuel for Canada’s economy
Canada’s recent commitment to fast-track projects of national significance aligns directly with the advancement of Sisson Mine, one of the region’s most important economic opportunities. Located about 60 kilometres northwest of Fredericton, Sisson Mine offers a world-class deposit of tungsten and molybdenum, two critical minerals used in everything from EV batteries and renewable energy technologies to aerospace, defence systems, and advanced manufacturing.
As the closest major city, Fredericton is Sisson Mine’s talent and services hub.
Housing innovation and off-site construction leadership
As the federal government invests in prefabricated and modular housing to double the rate of homebuilding, Fredericton’s expertise in off-site construction positions it as a key partner in solving Canada’s housing challenges. The city is home to one of the largest manufacturers of modular and off-site homes, Maple Leaf Homes, among others. By providing diverse, rapid, and repeatable housing options, manufactured housing is helping to address the housing crisis and supporting the federal government’s goal of 500,000 new homes per year over the next decade.
Fredericton is also home to the University of New Brunswick’s Off-Site Construction Research Centre, an innovation hub that aims to accelerate construction innovation through the improvement and adoption of off-site construction technologies and practices.
A growing destination for talent and innovation
Fredericton’s innovation-driven economy presents myriad opportunities for individuals and businesses alike, and it’s also just a really great place to live. The city is beautiful, welcoming, diverse, and affordable. Residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities (including 120 kilometres of maintained trails to walk, run, and bike) and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Fredericton at a Glance
Atlantic Canada’s Knowledge Capital, with 2,700+ knowledge-based businesses
Home to Atlantic Canada’s largest concentration of knowledge workers
A thriving Innovation District featuring 60+ leading R&D organizations
Pipeline of highly educated and skilled talent
Recognized four times as one of the World’s Top Seven Intelligent Communities
Affordable, vibrant, and liveable
Fredericton is ready to welcome innovators, builders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals looking to play a role in Canada’s next chapter. Learn more at fredericton.ca.
Some other resources to check out:
Opportunities New Brunswick
onbcanada.ca
Ignite Fredericton
myignite.ca
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce frederictonchamber.ca
