Shabodi is expanding its footprint at Area X.O, Ottawa’s research and development complex that helps accelerate time-to-market and the safe commercial adoption of next-gen technology, operated by Invest Ottawa. This expansion sits at the intersection of the cutting-edge facilities at Area X.O and Shabodi’s mission of harnessing the capabilities of advanced networks like 5G beyond traditional connectivity.  

“Imagine a space where executive demonstrations leap off the presentation slides and into the real world,” Shabodi’s Senior Vice President of Business Development Charles Nagy, said about the company’s new workspace. He articulated a vision where Shabodi’s presence in Area X.O will create a living, breathing exhibition of Shabodi’s capabilities in a controlled, real-world environment. 

“Developers, Partners, and customers—they all converge at Area X.O to test and validate futuristic solutions across connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Robotics, Smart City and Infrastructure, Smart Agriculture and so much more. Each solution pushes the boundaries of what’s possible when organizations think of their 5G investments as more than just ‘faster connectivity. From that perspective, Area X.O and Shabodi’s visions for the future are closely aligned,” Nagy added. 

An Incubator for Innovation 

Area X.O, operated by Invest Ottawa, is a “futureplex for imagination.” With a fleet of assets and capabilities like pre-commercial 5G, 4G/LTE, LoRaWan, multiple GPS and satellite systems, and autonomous vehicles, this isn’t your typical R&D facility. It’s an incubator for safe, real-world experimentation. Area X.O’s rich technological landscape offers a playground for real-world simulations of new-age solutions across various domains like drones and robotics, smart mobility, smart cities, and infrastructure, agricultural innovation, defense and security, and more.  

“The inclusion of Shabodi at Area X.O reinforces our commitment to attracting forward-thinking companies that are eager to test and evolve their solutions in a real-world environment,” said Rebecca Thompson, Senior Manager of Operations at Area X.O. “We’re excited to see how Shabodi’s innovative approach to network-aware, industry-first applications will unfold in our collaborative and futuristic ecosystem.” 

Shabodi’s vision is to turn connectivity networks into intelligent assets by enabling the interplay between applications and advanced networks through their Application Enablement Platform (AEP). This interaction between networks and applications heralds a new dawn where networks go beyond mere connectivity. Area X.O is an excellent match for Shabodi’s aspirations in helping the industry realize the true potential of advanced networks like 5G. The facility’s multifaceted R&D environment will allow Shabodi to not only develop but also rigorously test and seamlessly demonstrate its innovations in authentic conditions.  

Invest Ottawa, the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital is responsible for the economic development of the city as a global technology hub and oversees Area X.O. Area X.O champions the inclusion of Shabodi into its innovative fold. “Shabodi represents the kind of innovative organizations that embody the spirit of Area X.O,” shared Thompson. “The company’s decision to establish operations at Area X.O is an indication of the synergy between the facility’s expansive technological resources and its role in enabling the solutions of tomorrow.” 

A Synergy of Tech, Enterprise, and Policy 

The implications are vast. Area X.O is less than 10km from Ottawa International Airport and is amidst a technology hub teeming with over 1,750 firms. Access to this nexus means Shabodi can tap into a network of technology partners, investors, and policymakers. 

“I have been to several Area X.O events in the recent past. Every time I visit, I am astounded at the facility’s potential as a microcosm of the future. From vehicle manufacturers to robotics and drone makers, national infrastructure builders to international defense alliances, the collaboration opportunities Area X.O serves up are truly incredible.” Nagy stated. 

Shabodi’s presence at Area X.O will amplify the executive-level demonstrations of its industry-first solutions.  

Looking Forward 

As Shabodi prepares to liaise with industry heavyweights at Area X.O, it stands on the cusp of not just showcasing its technology but embedding itself in the narrative of tech innovation in Ottawa and beyond. With plans to court developers, government organizations, and global enterprises at Area X.O, the company is poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of advanced networks like 5G. 

“It’s not just about what we bring to the table. It’s about what we can all create together. Our goal is to create a synergy between Shabodi’s Application Enablement Platform (AEP) and the expansive technological resources at Area X.O. By harnessing the intelligent capabilities of advanced networks like 5G through our unique AEP, we’re setting the stage for a transformative impact on the tech ecosystem,” Nagy concluded, encapsulating the vision of collective progress. 

The collaboration between Shabodi and Area X.O is a reminder that technological progress is a global story. Ottawa, with its futuristic companies like Shabodi and unique centers of innovation like Area X.O, is playing a leading role in shaping the future.