Cognizant

Cognizant partners with companies to apply powerful technologies like cloud-based data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and virtual and augmented reality, to transform their businesses and experiences for customers. Cognizant’s business exists to help its clients – many of whom are Canada’s largest companies – innovate, adapt, compete and grow in the face of continual shifts and disruptions in their markets brought about by the digital age. In its work, Cognizant depends on highly-skilled, deeply knowledgeable professionals, who are experts in a range of technologies and industries.

Beginning in June 2017, Toronto Global and the Province of Ontario worked closely with Cognizant to help them understand the Toronto Region’s advantages relative to other North American tech hubs, in terms of cost, talent availability, international market access and quality of life – information that was used to build a business case that Cognizant could take to their leadership team. Additionally, Toronto Global provided in-depth information on each of the region’s municipalities when it came to the location decision, broadening the focus from one municipality to many. Ultimately, Cognizant chose Mississauga as the location for its new 50,000 squarefoot technology and services delivery centre. This state-of-the-art facility, complete with training rooms, a digital lab, and a co-innovation space, will allow Cognizant to work alongside clients to build and deliver specialized technology and industry-specific solutions. 

Toronto Global was also instrumental in helping Cognizant to build partnerships with regional stakeholders, including Seneca College. Seneca is now working in collaboration with Cognizant to provide a new technology training program aimed at enhancing skills for current IT professionals, and building skills for students and other individuals interested in pursuing technology careers. Toronto Global also worked closely with the economic development team at the City of Mississauga to ensure Cognizant was able to access local services, including settlement and assistance with permitting and zoning. 

After setting up in Mississauga, Cognizant was able to rapidly hire specialized software engineers, developers, network engineers, system engineers and business analysts – a testament to the region’s abundant tech talent supply. 

The site in Mississauga was initially planned to house 400 employees in 2018. Cognizant was able to recruit high-quality tech talent so quickly that the company has since leased another floor of the building to house an additional 200 employees.