Ranovus Investing $100 Million, Creating 125 Ottawa Jobs in Optical Semiconductor Expansion

What’s Happening at Ranovus?

Ranovus, an Ottawa-based semiconductor company, is investing over $100 million to expand its manufacturing facility. The project announced today is supported by Invest Ontario, which will provide up to $2 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.

This expansion will lead to the creation of 125 new high-value jobs, more than doubling the company’s current workforce. The project strengthens Ontario’s role in the AI hardware supply chain and boosts local manufacturing capacity.

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Project Overview

Ranovus develops optical interconnects—tiny semiconductor chips that use light instead of electricity to transfer data between computer components. These chips are key to running large AI and machine learning systems used in modern data centres.

With this new investment, Ranovus will:

• Expand its Ottawa-based manufacturing facility
• Bring previously outsourced manufacturing back to Ontario
• Scale up production of its AI-focused optical chips
• Strengthen Ontario’s place in the global semiconductor sector

The company’s chips help reduce power usage and improve performance in data centres — something that’s increasingly important as AI technologies grow.

Economic and Job Impact

This project is expected to make a big difference for both the local workforce and Ontario’s tech economy.

Key benefits include:

• 125 new jobs in Ottawa, more than doubling Ranovus’ current team
• High-value, tech-focused roles in advanced manufacturing and engineering
• Support for the local AI and semiconductor ecosystem
• Increased domestic production of critical AI infrastructure components

The expansion also helps Ontario position itself as a global player in AI-related technologies, supporting future innovation and growth.

What Leaders Are Saying

Hamid Arabzadeh, Co-Founder and CEO of Ranovus, said that he was “proud to be designing and building advanced AI solutions right here in Ontario. This expansion means more good jobs and a stronger future for Canada in the AI and quantum era.”

Vic Fideli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, said that “Ontario’s talented workforce and strong tech environment make it the ideal place for companies like Ranovus to grow.”

“[This is] exactly the kind of homegrown innovator we want to support,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.

Don’t Sign an Employment Contract Immediately

Considering a job at Ranovus? Like many non-unionized employees in the province, you may be asked to accept an employment contract before starting a new role.

However, you don’t have to sign anything right away. These agreements often reduce your legal protections — especially when it comes to severance pay, job duties, or workplace changes.

Concerning Contract Clauses

When reviewing an employment contract, look for any provisions that:

• Limit severance to just a few weeks’ pay
• Allow your employer to make significant changes to your job without your consent
• An Ontario probation period that affect your job security

If you’re unsure about any part of the agreement, contact the experienced employment lawyers at Samfiru Turmarkin LLP. We’ll review your contract and confirm that your workplace rights are protected.

WATCH: What You Need to Know About Employment Contracts

How Switching Jobs Affects Severance

The amount of severance pay you’re owed is heavily influenced by how long you’ve worked for a company.

Non-unionized employees in Ontario can receive up to 24 months’ pay — sometimes more — when they’re fired or let go without cause.

LEARN MORE
• How to Calculate Severance Pay in Ontario
• Severance for Short-Service Staff: Significant Payouts Possible
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?

However, if you resign voluntarily to work for another employer, you’re likely NOT entitled to any compensation.

Your best course of action before switching jobs is to seek legal advice. Our firm can make sure you’re fully aware of the factors at play before making your decision.

Recruited Then Let Go? You May Be Owed More Severance

In Ontario, if you left a stable, long-term job because another employer actively recruited — or “induced” — you to join them, you could be entitled to enhanced severance pay. This is especially true if you were let go shortly after making the move.

• LEARN MORE: Everything Ontarians Need to Know About Inducement

An employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can enforce your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer Today

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our employment lawyers in Ottawa have helped thousands of non-unionized individuals navigate new jobs and secure proper severance following a termination.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
• 💰 Secured millions in severance and settlements
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win (Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.)
• ⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.