A Year of Impact: How Digital Nova Scotia Helped Power Provincial Growth in 2025

In an industry that moves as fast as ours, it’s important to pause and recognize what we’ve accomplished before we rush into what’s next. At Digital Nova Scotia, we believe strong digital skills, thriving tech companies and a connected ecosystem fuel a stronger economy for everyone—and this past year, our team and partners have made meaningful strides in advancing innovation, digital adoption and workforce development across the province.

As we take a short break over the holidays and then get ready to hit the ground running again in 2026, we’re proud to reflect on the progress we’ve made together:

Empowering People Through Skills and Training

Across Nova Scotia, individuals and organizations are building stronger digital and AI capabilities through DNS programs:

• 3,800+ professionals engaged in our training, workshops, webinars, and events.
• 120 youth explored careers in tech through our Digital Discovery Camp.
• 70% of AI Microcredential learners reported productivity gains or career advancement.
• 760+ Nova Scotians completed the Skills for Hire Atlantic program, with 399 securing new jobs or pursuing further learning.

Supporting Businesses and Strengthening the Tech Ecosystem

Businesses across sectors are accelerating growth through DNS programs:

• 300 members supported through DNS services, events and ecosystem programming.
• 22 members featured on our All Hands on Tech podcast.
• 94 blog posts showcasing innovators across the province.
• 1,780+ tech and digital roles posted through our member-exclusive job board.
• 8 Nova Scotia tech leaders were celebrated through the 2025 Tech Forward Awards.

Driving Digital Adoption in Key Sectors

Our digital adoption initiatives are helping companies innovate faster and operate more competitively:

• 20+ manufacturing and forestry companies advanced their digital transformation through our Digital Twin and Forestry Digital Adoption programs.
• 100+ tourism operators and communities enhanced their digital capacity and revenue growth through our Tourism Digital Assistance Programs.
• 14 companies piloted our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework, strengthening the culture of tech in Nova Scotia.

Expanding Global Reach and Economic Opportunity

Nova Scotia companies are competing and succeeding globally. This year:

• DNS led three international trade missions (Germany, UK, Montreal), creating
• $10M+ in short-term impact
• $60M+ in long-term economic impact

Building the Future of AI and Cybersecurity in Nova Scotia

AI and cybersecurity are reshaping industries, and DNS is helping Nova Scotia lead. Through March 2026, DNS will deliver:

• 6 in-person AI workshops for SMEs across the province
• Customized AI workshops for industry associations, nonprofits and community groups
• A suite of AI Microcredentials with St. Francis Xavier University, including programs for:
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Project Management
  • Developers & IT Professionals
  • Life Sciences
  • Export Enablement

And in 2026, we will launch a new AI Adoption Program for SMEs, providing financial support and hands-on training to help businesses adopt AI quickly and effectively.

DNS has also been awarded national funding to lead LevelSec: Advancing Cyber Leaders, Canada’s first cybersecurity upskilling program focused on risk management, governance and AI systems—a major step forward for national workforce development.

Nova Scotia’s Momentum: A Growing Tech Powerhouse

All of these achievements contribute to a broader story—one of provincial transformation.

According to CBRE’s 2025 Scoring Tech Talent Report:

• Halifax has added nearly 45% more tech jobs since 2021.
• The city now ranks #2 among North America’s emerging tech markets and #52 overall.

But the growth extends beyond Halifax. Companies across Nova Scotia are innovating, exporting and creating high-value jobs that strengthen every sector, from healthcare and oceans to clean energy and manufacturing.

As we wrap up this year, we’re grateful for everyone who has been part of this momentum—our members, partners, funders, and the many organizations and individuals leaning into digital change. The CBRE results are one signal of how far Nova Scotia’s tech ecosystem has come, but the real story is in the people, companies and communities driving that growth every day. We’ll take a short pause over the holidays, and then be back in 2026 to keep building on this foundation, supporting innovation, adoption and opportunity across the province.

— The DNS team