The latest investments of the German tech giant in SAP Labs in Canada and Latin America respectively involved launching a smart office designed to support today’s working environment; the completion of the third phase of expansion of SAP Labs in São Leopoldo, Brazil, and the launch of the first SAP.iO Foundry in the region.
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of SAP– delivering innovative solutions to organizations worldwide to help them run better. Today, the tech behemoth is home to over 100,000 SAP professionals that supports more than 460,000 customers across 140 countries. Through the years, the software enterprise continues to invest in innovation within and outside the organization to help customers build systems to future-proof their businesses.
In Canada and the Latin America region, SAP has recently unveiled its latest investments in SAP Labs and SAP.iO, two of the tech company’s entities that are focused on research and development and startup innovations.
Building a Smart SAP Labs in Montreal
In April 2022, SAP Labs Canada has been named an SAP Global Research & Development Hub, joining the Global Hub Network comprised of Labs in Walldorf, the US, India, China, Latin America, and CEE Hub including Labs Czech Republic, Labs Hungary, Labs Poland, and Labs Slovakia. Now as a Hub, SAP Labs Canada– with Labs in Montreal, Vancouver, and Waterloo– becomes one of the most significant R&D locations, not only in terms of size but also in terms of capabilities to deliver best-in-class solutions across the SAP product portfolio.
Following the latest designation of the Labs in Canada as a Global Hub is the launch of a new, state-of-the-art office SAP Labs Montréal, the lab focused on SAP CX solutions, SAP S/4 HANA Industry Cloud, and Quote to Cash solutions innovations. Embracing the new world of work, the office in downtown Montréal has pivoted from traditional work desks to flexible workspaces divided into “neighborhoods” for each team, allowing employees to work according to what suits their needs, whether working while standing or sitting on a desk. To encourage collaboration, community spaces are available and situated in each neighborhood.
Sharing about the latest office design, Cindy Fagen, general manager at SAP Labs Canada, said:
“Our new smart office is made up of spaces designed for our activities and created to meet the demand, which gives our employees the possibility of choosing the working environment that suits them best. Technology is an important piece of the puzzle, which will help us design our office space even more intelligently.”
Each neighborhood is equipped with state-of-the-art presentation and videoconferencing equipment to allow for formal meetings. The new centrally located office at the prestigious 5 Place Ville-Marie leverages the SAP Flex Connect mobile application, which enables employees to book a preferred workplace and meeting spaces in advance. The Montréal office also partnered with Canadian meal delivery platform Ritual, giving staff the convenience to order meals from nearby restaurants and cafes.
Expanding Innovation in Latina America
Having been in Latin America for 28 years, SAP is deepening its investment in the region with two major initiatives– the third expansion of SAP Labs Latin America and the launch of the inaugural SAP.iO Foundry Latin America, both located in São Leopoldo in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil.
After 16 years of operations as the first and only SAP research and development center in the region, SAP Labs Latin America has added another unit at a price tag of 35 million euros, employing 2,000 staff from 20 different nationalities and anticipated to create 200 indirect jobs.
“In addition to helping companies in the region on their digital transformation journey, another great contribution of SAP Labs is that it supports them in the design of their sustainability strategies, working with experts from around the world to create agile and powerful technologies that have sustainable drivers at the center of everything,” said Dennison John, president of SAP Labs Latin America.
Along with the announcement of the new SAP Labs unit in São Leopoldo is the launch of the first SAP.iO Foundry in Latin America, also based in São Leopoldo, designed to have a virtual presence throughout the region. Currently, there are 11 SAP.iO Foundries worldwide, including Latin America, San Francisco, Berlin, New York, and Tokyo, providing a platform for tech startups to scale their technology innovations leveraging SAP technologies, curated mentorships, and collaborative partnerships with SAP customers.
Cristina Palmaka, president of SAP Latin America and the Caribbean, commented that SAP.iO Foundry Latin America is SAP’s turning point in the company’s commitment to the region. She added:
“All over the world, SAP.iO Foundries enhance the innovative impact of start-ups, offering expertise and insights, multiplying their chances of success. In a region like ours, with so many entrepreneurs, this new support will make a huge difference.”
The first cohort of the latest SAP.iO Foundry Latin America will be delving into sustainability in agriculture, one of the most thriving industries in the region, and will be unveiled in September 2022.
