Connected to the Commonwealth

Montréal-based CGI, with its U.S. headquarters in Fairfax, is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world with operations in hundreds of locations across the globe. In communities across the U.S., CGI innovators pursue bold new solutions. By harnessing emerging technologies, agile methodologies and embedded teams, CGI takes on the toughest challenges to help their clients emerge transformed. CGI’s Southwest Virginia Information Technology Center of Excellence employs nearly 400 CGI professionals in a state-of-the-art facility. Drawing skilled local talent from a feeder system of more than 8 colleges and universities, this location serves clients in the communications, financial services, government, health, manufacturing, retail and consumer services and energy sectors.

Optii brings Canadian innovation to Hampton Roads

The City of Virginia Beach Development Authority has approved Ottawa-based Optii Corporation as the newest tenant at the Virginia Beach International Incubator, a key initiative to attract and support advanced technology companies.
Optii, an emerging leader in photonics, is advancing electromagnetic-immune technologies that enable secure radio frequency communications and enhanced border monitoring — capabilities that are increasingly critical in modern defense environments.
At the core of its innovation are lightweight, passive radio-frequency detection sensors designed for integration into fiber-optic drone platforms. These sensors can identify emissions without revealing their own presence, offering a potential step-change in surveillance, situational awareness, and operational security.
Optii’s pathway to Virginia Beach began at CANSEC 2025, where representatives from the Hampton Roads Alliance connected with the company during a networking event. What started as a casual conversation quickly evolved into more focused discussions. Virginia Beach Economic Development organized a customized visit to Hampton Roads, showing Optii the region’s capabilities. During the visit, company representatives met with stakeholders across higher education, defense-focused accelerators, and private industry, including engagements with NASA’s Langley Research Center and leading regional defense firms.
As Optii establishes its presence in Virginia Beach, the partnership signals more than a single company’s success. It reflects a growing cross-border innovation corridor, where Canadian ingenuity and American defense infrastructure intersect — creating new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and technological advancement.

Virginia exports $2.9 billion in goods to Canada annually
Virginia exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 12%
• Apparel & textiles: 3%
• Chemicals: 6%
• Equipment & machinery: 27%
• Forest products: 7%
• Minerals & metals: 12%
• Plastics & rubbers: 9%
• Transportation: 18%
• Other: 6%

Top Virginia goods exports to Canada

• Tractors: $354 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $252 million
• Paper & paperboard: $160 million
• Paper & printing machinery: $145 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $116 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $67 million
• Electric motors & generators: $64 million
• Rope, twine, yarn & felt: $61 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $57 million
• Animal meats: $57 million

Virginia exports $2.4 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Virginia services exports to Canada

• Business services: $760 million
• Travel (including for education): $585 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $520 million
• Financial services: $228 million
• Telecommunications, computer & IT services: $163 million

Virginia imports $3.3 billion in goods from Canada annually
Virginia imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 12%
• Chemicals: 5%
• Energy: 3%
• Equipment & machinery: 32%
• Forest products: 9%
• Minerals & metals: 9%
• Plastics & rubbers: 5%
• Transportation: 16%
• Other: 9%

Top Virginia goods imports from Canada

• Aircraft & parts: $357 million
• Paper & paperboard: $164 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $156 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $154 million
• Engines & turbines: $143 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $104 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $100 million
• Furniture & bedding: $99 million
• Electric motors & generators: $89 million
• Pasta, breads & cereal preparations: $76 million