Sunnyvale, California-based cybersecurity company Fortinet is planning a $22.3 million cybersecurity tech center in Calgary, Canada, with $2.2 million counterpart funding from the government of Alberta’s Innovation and Growth Fund. Invest Alberta and the Calgary Economic Development are also supporting the planned hub in Calgary’s downtown, Fortinet said.
Fortinet’s current Canadian locations include the company’s Burnaby, British Columbia campus established in 2017 with some 1,000 employees, research and development facilities, and a training center. The company’s website also lists two Fortinet offices in Ottawa, Ontario.
The new Calgary cybersecurity hub will host a data center, a cybersecurity training facility and a center for excellence. According to Fortinet, the training facility will address the expected shortage of cybersecurity talent, diversify workforce sources, and create new career paths for professionals who need retraining or updating their expertise.
“As a global leader in cybersecurity, Fortinet is committed to protecting and empowering communities right here in Alberta, fostering innovation and excellence,” said Joyce Chow, vice president of Talent at Fortinet.
“Our vision extends beyond providing industry-leading security products and services; we aim to continuously innovate and cultivate cybersecurity talent through comprehensive training and development programs.”
Using its training programs, Fortinet has already partnered with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the University of Alberta and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to bridge the local cybersecurity talent gap.
The curriculum includes the Fortinet Network Security Expert Certification Program offered to support the European Commission’s project to provide free instruction.