Canada’s tech scene is shining on the world stage as Toronto and Vancouver emerge as hotbeds of custom software development talent. Both cities have witnessed remarkable growth in their tech ecosystems over the past few years. Toronto, for instance, added an “eye-popping” 95,900 tech jobs between 2018 and 2023, a 44% increase, the most of any North American city. Not to be outdone, Vancouver’s tech workforce grew by over 30% in the same period, reaching about 98,700 workers in 2023. This explosive growth in tech talent highlights a new generation of developers, engineers, and innovators Canada’s rising stars who are propelling these cities to global prominence.

What’s driving this surge in Canadian tech talent? A combination of factors: strong educational institutions, supportive immigration policies, vibrant startup cultures, and significant industry investment. Toronto now ranks as the #4 tech talent market in North America (even earning nicknames like “Silicon Valley North”), and Vancouver punches above its weight as an established tech hub in the Pacific. Global tech giants have taken notice; all of the “Big Five” (Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta) have major offices in Toronto and Vancouver host industry leaders like Microsoft, Fortinet, and Electronic Arts. The appeal lies not only in the sheer quantity of talent but also in its quality and diversity. Canada boasts the highest educated workforce among G7 nations, and Toronto’s tech labor pool is now the third-largest in North America (after the Bay Area and New York). Just as importantly, both cities are extraordinarily diverse; roughly half of Toronto’s residents were born outside Canada, a multicultural richness mirrored in Vancouver. This diversity fuels creativity and inclusive design in the software products emerging from these hubs.

For businesses worldwide, this represents an exciting opportunity to innovate and grow. By partnering with firms that can tap into these talent clusters, such as Empyreal Infotech, companies gain access to a wide spectrum of skills and perspectives. Empyreal Infotech’s global network and experience in cross-border collaboration uniquely position it to connect businesses with Canada’s rising tech stars, whether you’re seeking cutting-edge AI expertise or agile software development teams. In this detailed exploration, we’ll dive into what makes Toronto and Vancouver stand out, from their booming tech scenes to specific industry strengths, and how Empyreal Infotech as a custom software development company can help your business leverage these thriving, diverse talent pools.

Toronto: A Thriving Tech Ecosystem in the East

Toronto has rapidly transformed into one of North America’s most dynamic tech ecosystems. Already the largest city in Canada, it has become a magnet for tech talent and innovation. CBRE’s 2024 Scoring Tech Talent Report ranks Toronto as the #4 tech market on the continent, up from #5 the year prior. The city’s ascent is backed by stunning growth metrics: a 44% increase in tech jobs from 2018 to 2023 (far outpacing the overall employment growth) and the largest absolute gain in tech employment of any city.

during that period. In fact, even as some other markets saw declines, Toronto added tens of thousands of jobs in software development, data science, AI, and related fields. “Four Canadian cities produced the highest percentage increase of tech talent jobs, which points to the underlying strength of the tech sector in Canada,” notes Paul Morassutti, CBRE Canada’s chairman. Toronto’s underlying strength is further evident in its youthful, educated workforce The city has seen a significant influx of young professionals in their 20s and 30s, ensuring a robust pipeline of emerging talent.

The MaRS Discovery District in Toronto exemplifies the city’s thriving tech ecosystem, hosting hundreds of startups and research initiatives. Toronto is home to more than 50 incubators and accelerators fueling innovation including MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub that has supported 1,200+ startups to date.

One of Toronto’s greatest assets is the breadth of its tech industry. The city is a financial services powerhouse (second-largest financial center in North America), which has given rise to a vibrant FinTech sector. Homegrown fintech startups like Wealth simple have thrived here. Wealth simple was the first in Canada to offer commission-free trading, and it continues to innovate in mobile finance and crypto leveraging Toronto’s deep pool of finance and software talent. In addition to fintech, Toronto’s tech scene spans artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise software, cybersecurity, digital media, and cleantech.

There are over 24,000 tech companies in the region, from scrappy startups to major R&D labs, working on solutions in AI, robotics, health tech, environmental tech, and beyond. Notably, Toronto has become a global AI hub: it hosts the Vector Institute for AI and was home to pioneering work by AI luminaries. “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton conducted groundbreaking research at the University of Toronto and helped launch the Vector Institute, attracting top AI talent from around the world. Another AI leader, Raquel Urtasun, left Uber to found Waabi (an autonomous trucking startup) in Toronto, reflecting the city’s strength in both AI and next-gen transportation. This concentration of expertise led The New York Times to call Toronto the third-largest tech hub in North America, behind only Silicon Valley and NYC. 

Toronto’s innovation infrastructure strongly supports new ventures. The city boasts nearly 50 startups, incubators and accelerators, including world-renowned hubs like MaRS Discovery District and DMZ. MaRS, as mentioned, is the largest urban tech hub on the continent, fostering startups in everything from biomedical tech to AI. Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ is ranked the #1 university-based tech incubator in the world. Since 2010 it has helped 800+ startups raise $2.5B and create 5,000+ jobs. This extensive support network, combined with plentiful venture capital, has cultivated an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. It’s no surprise that Startup Genome ranks the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor as the #1 startup ecosystem in Canada (and a top-20 globally). Tech giants also play a role: companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta have Canadian headquarters or major offices in Toronto, providing jobs, mentorship, and partnerships for the local community. These corporates cite “the city’s diverse talent pool” as a key reason they set up shop in Toronto. Crucially, Toronto’s talent pool isn’t just large; it’s highly skilled and diverse. Canada has the most educated workforce among G7 countries, and Toronto exemplifies this with more tech degree holders than many peer cities. In the 2020-21 academic year alone, 16,000 students graduated from Toronto area STEM programs, feeding the pipeline of engineers and developers. World-class institutions like the University of Toronto (ranked among the globe’s top research universities) and the University of Waterloo (globally renowned for engineering and computer science co-op programs) ensure a steady supply of cutting-edge talent. On top of domestic education, immigration has supercharged Toronto’s tech talent growth. Canada’s immigration-friendly policies (like the Global Talent Stream visa, which fast-tracks work permits for tech workers) and quality of life have attracted skilled professionals from around the world. In fact, three-quarters of new immigrants to Canada settle in the Greater Toronto Area, making Toronto one of the most multicultural tech hubs anywhere. About half of Toronto’s residents are foreign-born, representing over 200 ethnic origins an incredible diversity that translates into globally minded development teams. This mix of backgrounds means teams in Toronto bring a rich variety of perspectives to software design, enhancing creativity and enabling products that resonate with diverse user bases. 

From fintech apps to AI-driven platforms, Toronto’s emerging software development talent is making its mark. For businesses seeking innovation, partnering with Toronto-based developers can provide a competitive edge. Empyreal Infotech is a top custom software development company Europe based recognizes the unique value of Toronto’s tech community; its developers and engineers are not only technically proficient but also adept at collaborating across cultures and industries. Empyreal Infotech’s approach to partnership involves leveraging this diverse Toronto talent pool for building custom software solutions for clients worldwide. Whether it’s assembling an AI-focused team or augmenting a project with fintech expertise, Empyreal can connect businesses with Toronto’s brightest minds in tech. In essence, Toronto offers both the brains and the bridge (through partners like Empyreal) to turn ambitious software ideas into reality. 

Vancouver: Innovation on the Pacific Coast

On Canada’s west coast, Vancouver has cultivated a vibrant tech scene that belies its smaller size. Often ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver’s mix of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture has long been a draw, and in recent years it’s also drawing major tech investment and talent.

Vancouver now employs roughly 100,000 tech workers across its metro area, and like Toronto, it has seen double-digit growth in tech jobs (around 31% over five years). In North America-wide rankings, Vancouver came in at #11 among tech talent markets in 2024, keeping companies with much larger metros. Industry experts note that Vancouver “continues to punch above its weight” and “more than holds its own” compared to the biggest U.S. tech hubs. One notable statistic: Vancouver has the third-highest concentration of software engineers in its tech workforce, behind only Seattle and Silicon Valley. In other words, a huge proportion of Vancouver’s tech professionals are software developers, making it a fertile ground for custom software development trends and talent.

Vancouver’s industry strengths are distinct and complementary to Toronto’s. The city has a rich legacy in creative and digital industries; it’s a global center for visual effects and animation (earning it the nickname “Hollywood North” for film production) and has a strong video game development sector.

Electronic Arts (EA) set up one of its largest game studios in suburban Vancouver decades ago and continues to expand its campus. Disney’s Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) operates a major VFX studio in Vancouver as well. This has led to a cluster of talent in 3D graphics, AR/VR, and entertainment software. In fact, Vancouver now hosts the world’s second-largest VR/AR cluster (only Silicon Valley’s is larger), testament to its strength in immersive technologies. The city is also a hotbed for life sciences and biotech. Vancouver is home to Canada’s fastest-growing life sciences sector, with many companies fusing biology and software (for example, firms developing AI-driven health diagnostics, as cited in local initiatives).

Another domain where Vancouver shines is cleantech and sustainability. Both government and private investors have channeled funds into clean technology startups in B.C., aligning with the region’s ethos of environmental stewardship. From next-gen battery developers to sustainable agriculture tech, Cleantech has been one of the top investment magnets in Vancouver’s tech ecosystem. Additionally, the city hosts a thriving software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector and growing expertise in cybersecurity. Notably, Fortinet, a global cybersecurity giant, has a large R&D office in Vancouver that has expanded multiple times. The diversity of specializations is a sign of a healthy, resilient tech ecosystem. An analysis of funding data showed that Vancouver attracted significant investment across at least five major verticals: cleantech; Digital media/telecom, life sciences, SaaS, and cybersecurity were the top five for 2018–2023. This breadth means that whatever the project domain be it a gaming app, a health-tech platform, or an enterprise cloud solution. Vancouver likely has experts in that space.

Importantly, Vancouver has proven to be a magnet for multinational companies looking to tap into talent. In addition to the homegrown firms and startups, dozens of global tech companies have established offices or engineering centers in Vancouver. Microsoft is a prime example: although headquartered in Seattle, Microsoft has heavily invested in Vancouver as a key development site, including adding 500 new

positions in 2021 and planning a new 20-story office downtown. Microsoft’s President Brad Smith has spoken about the company’s commitment to Vancouver and its community. Other big names include Amazon (which has thousands of employees in Vancouver working on AWS and Alexa projects), Boeing (with a Vancouver lab focusing on analytics software), and SAP (which acquired Vancouver’s Business Objects and maintains a large presence). The fact that 45 multinational companies chose Vancouver for major operations, from Amazon to Disney to Boeing, underscores the city’s unique selling points for tech investment. Chief among those advantages are cost and location: Vancouver offers a near-shore locale for U.S. West Coast firms (same time zone as Silicon Valley) and high-quality talent at competitive costs. The average tech salary in Vancouver (~$110,000) is significant but still lower than in Silicon Valley, meaning companies can achieve savings while maintaining quality. Add in the favorable exchange rate (with budgets in U.S. dollars stretching further in Canada), and it’s clear why partnering with Vancouver talent can be cost-effective for American and international businesses.

Quality of life is another factor that fuels Vancouver’s tech growth. Nestled between mountains and ocean, Vancouver frequently ranks among the world’s most livable cities. This helps attract and retain talent from around the globe. Talented developers who might be tempted by Silicon Valley often find Vancouver a compelling alternative, offering a vibrant urban tech scene and great lifestyle. The region’s population is very diverse (over half belong to visible minority groups, with large communities from Asia and Europe), which enhances its cosmopolitan feel. “Tech talent is Greater Vancouver’s secret sauce,” notes a recent regional report, citing the area’s ability to produce high-quality graduates and draw international workers through quality of life. Top universities like the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University contribute to a steady stream of new tech graduates, particularly in computer science, engineering, and interactive arts. UBC is also a research leader in fields like AI, robotics, and quantum computing, adding to the local innovation pipeline. Additionally, Vancouver benefits from Canada’s immigration-friendly stance: British Columbia has used the same Global Talent Stream visa and provincial nominee programs to bring in skilled tech workers quickly. The result is a highly international tech workforce. Just as in Toronto, roughly half of Vancouver’s residents are immigrants or second-generation, making the tech teams here adept at global collaboration and culturally aware design.

For companies looking to build cutting-edge software solutions, Vancouver’s pool of emerging talent offers creativity and expertise. Many developers here cut their teeth in the city’s strong video game and media companies, giving them a user-centric and design-forward mindset that’s valuable even in enterprise or SaaS development. And as Vancouver’s tech sector matures, we see more tech professionals growing into senior roles. The city had the highest increase in tech workers entering their 30s among 50 North American cities markets, meaning an influx of seasoned, mid-career talent ready to lead projects. There’s an energetic startup scene as well, with recent successes ranging from Hootsuite (social media management software) to Clio (legal tech SaaS) and blockchain innovators. Vancouver’s entrepreneurs are gaining recognition, and events like the upcoming Web Summit 2025 in Vancouver (a major global tech conference, for which the Canadian government is investing $6.6M to host, which will put an even brighter spotlight on the city’s innovation story.

Leveraging Vancouver’s talent for your projects can yield high dividends, especially with the right partnership model. Empyreal Infotech serves as a conduit for businesses to engage Vancouver’s rising software developers in an efficient, collaborative way. Through Empyreal’s partnerships, a company can quickly assemble a Vancouver-based (or hybrid onshore/offshore) development team that understands cutting-edge domains like AR/VR or AI, without needing to open a local office from scratch. Empyreal Infotech’s experience with diverse talent pools means it can seamlessly integrate Vancouver developers known for their creativity and strong technical foundations into your project workflow. In practice, this could look like pairing your in-house architects with Empyreal’s extended team of Vancouver software engineers to co-create a product that benefits from West Coast innovation and round-the-clock progress. 

Key Advantages of Canadian Software Development Partners

Why look to Canada and partners like Empyreal Infotech for software development? Here is a rundown of key advantages that companies gain by tapping into Toronto and Vancouver’s tech talent. 

1. Highly Skilled, Well-Educated Talent: Canadian software developers are among the best trained in the world. Canada boasts the highest proportion of college-educated workforce in the G7. Toronto and Vancouver in particular produce thousands of STEM graduates each year from top universities, and both cities have deep pools of experienced engineers (Toronto alone has the third-largest tech talent pool in North America). By partnering with Canadian development teams, you access talent that is not only abundant but also highly skilled in the latest technologies and methodologies.
2. Multicultural Perspective and Diversity: Canada’s diversity is a huge asset in software development. Teams are often made up of individuals from around the world, bringing a rich mix of perspectives. For example, about 50% of residents in Toronto and Vancouver are foreign-born, creating inherently multicultural work environments. This diversity leads to more creative problem-solving and products designed with global users in mind. Partners in Canada excel at inclusive design and culturally aware software, which can help your product appeal to a broader market. Empyreal Infotech emphasizes this diversity advantage. By integrating developers from varied backgrounds, we ensure the solutions we deliver are innovative and globally relevant. 
3. Cutting-Edge Innovation Hubs: Canadian tech cities foster innovation through strong ecosystems of incubators, research institutes, and industry clusters. Partnering with a Canadian firm means plugging into these innovation hubs. In Toronto, for instance, the presence of organizations like the Vector Institute (AI) and incubators like MaRS and DMZ keeps developers at the forefront of AI, machine learning, fintech, and more. Vancouver’s ecosystem includes specialized clusters in VR/AR, life sciences, and gaming, meaning developers often have direct experience with the latest in immersive tech and biotechnology. Canadian partners thus tend to be early adopters of new tech, whether it’s artificial intelligence, blockchain, or cloud architecture, and can incorporate those innovations into your projects.
4. Thriving Industry Expertise: Toronto and Vancouver each have domain specialties that partners can leverage. Toronto’s developers often have expertise in finance, enterprise software, AI, and cleantech, thanks to the city’s status in those industries (e.g., second-largest financial center in fueling fintech talent, and a leading global AI research hub). Vancouver’s developers bring strengths in digital media, entertainment software, SaaS, and cybersecurity, reflecting the strong presence of gaming studios, VFX firms, and security companies in that city. By choosing a Canadian development partner, you can find a team with the precise industry experience your project needs, be it a fintech app or a VR training platform. Empyreal Infotech, for example, can draw on Canada’s diverse industry talent to assemble a team that “speaks the language” of your domain.
5. English Fluency and Cultural Compatibility: Communication is key in any partnership. Canadian tech teams operate in English (and many are fluent in French and other languages as well), ensuring smooth collaboration with English-speaking clients. Moreover, Canada’s business culture is similar to that of the United States and Western Europe in terms of professionalism, legal standards, and work expectations. This cultural compatibility means fewer miscommunications and a more seamless integration of a Canadian partner team with your in-house staff. Many Canadian developers have experience working with U.S. and global clients, so they are adept at remote collaboration across time zones. With Empyreal Infotech facilitating, these cultural and linguistic alignments ensure projects progress efficiently and transparently. 
6. Time Zone and Geographic Proximity: For companies in the Americas, Canada offers convenient time zone overlap without the distance. Toronto shares time zones with the U.S. East Coast, and Vancouver with the Pacific time zone, allowing real-time collaboration during the workday. Even for European companies, Canada’s workday overlaps by at least a few hours, which can be more convenient than coordinating with teams in much more distant regions. Additionally, major Canadian cities are a short flight from many U.S. hubs (e.g., Toronto to New York is an hour flight), making occasional in-person meetings or workshops feasible. By partnering with a Canadian firm, you get the cost and plan with a custom software project budget and talent benefits of “offshore” development with many of the responsiveness benefits of a nearshore team. 
7. Stable Business Environment and IP Protection: Canada offers a very stable, secure environment for business partnerships. The country ranks high in political stability, rule of law, and respect for intellectual property. When you work with a Canadian software development partner, you can be confident that your IP rights will be protected under strong legal frameworks similar to those in the U.S. or EU. The government actively supports tech innovation through grants and programs but also enforces regulations to protect data and privacy. This stability extends to the workforce. Canadian teams have low turnover rates, and developers tend to be loyal and focused on long-term quality, giving you continuity in your projects. 
8. Government Support and Incentives: Both federal and provincial governments in Canada actively support the tech sector, which indirectly benefits partners and clients. For example, the Canadian government has invested heavily in innovation initiatives, $443 million in a national AI strategy via the Toronto-based CIFAR institute, and major funding in Vancouver’s AI and tech infrastructure. There are also R&D tax credits and incentives that Canadian development companies can utilize to reduce costs for clients. Recently, the government even helped bring the Web Summit tech conference to Vancouver to showcase the country’s innovation. This pro-tech environment means when you partner with a Canadian firm, you’re engaging a team that likely has access to state-of-the-art resources, grant programs, and an overall ecosystem primed to help tech projects succeed. 
9. Cost-Effective Quality: While not “cheap” labor, Canadian tech talent offers excellent value for money. Developer salaries in Toronto and Vancouver are generally lower than those in Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, often by 20-30%, while quality remains on par. For instance, the average tech wage in Vancouver is about $110k (CAD), which is significantly lower than San Francisco averages especially when converted to U.S. dollars. Additionally, a favorable USD to CAD exchange rate can make Canadian outsourcing 20-30% more cost-efficient for American companies. This means you can get senior-level engineers and high-caliber output at a more affordable rate. Partnering with Empyreal Infotech to tap Canadian talent can thus stretch your development budget further without compromising on excellence or innovation. 
10. Global Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities: Canadian software firms are accustomed to collaborating across borders; it’s in the country’s DNA as a multicultural, trading nation. This makes them flexible and adept partners for international projects. When you team up with a partner like Empyreal Infotech that has a presence and network in Canada, you gain a bridge to a global talent pool. Empyreal Infotech can integrate its teams in Canada, India, and elsewhere to provide 24/7 development cycles or specialized skills as needed. Canadian teams work well in hybrid models, coordinating with offshore developers or client teams overseas thanks to their collaborative work culture. In short, a Canadian development partner can be the linchpin in a follow-the-sun development strategy or simply a reliable extension of your team, whatever model drives the best results for your business.

Each of these advantages contributes to why Canadian software development partners are increasingly sought after by businesses worldwide. From quality and creativity to practical concerns like time zones and costs, Canada’s tech talent delivers a well-rounded value proposition. And with Empyreal Infotech’s focus on partnering with businesses to leverage diverse talent pools, tapping into Canada’s rising stars has never been easier. 

Conclusion: Tapping Canada’s Tech Talent with Empyreal Infotech 

Toronto and Vancouver have firmly established themselves as rising stars on the global tech scene. Their emerging custom software development talent is characterized by innovation, diversity, and a high level of expertise. For companies looking to stay ahead in the digital race, the developers and engineers in these Canadian hubs offer an immense opportunity to elevate your projects, whether it’s developing a robust enterprise platform or a cutting-edge mobile app. 

Realizing this potential is often a matter of finding the right partnership. Empyreal Infotech stands ready to be your gateway to Canada’s top tech talent. With our experience in cross-border collaboration and a keen understanding of these local ecosystems, we empower businesses to seamlessly integrate Toronto and Vancouver’s best developers into their teams. Empyreal Infotech can assemble dedicated development teams tailored to your needs or consult with your organization to identify how Canadian talent could complement your existing capabilities. Crucially, our approach is rooted in being real and authentic. We don’t just drop resources into your project; we partner with you, aligning with your vision, communication style, and goals, much like an extension of your own team. 

In a time when innovation is paramount and talent is the key to innovation, Canada’s rising tech stars offer both quantity and quality. Whether you’re attracted by Toronto’s powerhouse tech scene in AI and fintech or Vancouver’s creative genius in AR/VR and software design, consider leveraging these strengths through a trusted partner. Empyreal Infotech has the ability to connect you with these diverse talent pools, ensuring you reap the benefits of Canadian ingenuity and dedication. By tapping into Toronto and Vancouver’s tech communities and doing so with an experienced partner by your side, your business can achieve new heights of innovation and agility. 

In summary, Canada’s burgeoning tech talent in Toronto and Vancouver is a treasure trove for companies seeking top-notch custom software for SME development. These cities offer dynamic, supportive environments brimming with skilled, creative professionals. And with Empyreal Infotech’s partnership-centric approach, accessing that talent becomes a smooth and rewarding journey. The future of tech is being written in places like Toronto and Vancouver; let us help you be a part of it. Contact Empyreal Infotech now!