Canada Invests $6M in Edmonton-Based Defence-Sector Technologies

Canada says the world is becoming “more dangerous and uncertain.”

In response, the federal government is ramping up defence sector investment.

That includes building up domestic defence industrial capacity across Canada, including Alberta.

In this vein, Canada unveiled more than $6 million worth of investments through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative.

These investments target three Edmonton-based organizations.

“By investing in Alberta-made technologies, industrial capacity, and supply chains, we are helping build the capabilities that support the women and men who keep Canadians safe while building good jobs, supporting technological innovation, and strengthening our economy here at home,” remarked Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Founded in 2018 to “reveal the hidden reality of Earth,” Wyvern will receive $3M to enhance satellite-based technologies and products to improve ship identification and maritime monitoring technologies.

“This investment from PrairiesCan strengthens our ability to deliver operational space-based intelligence for Canada’s defence community,” says cofounder and chief executive officer Christopher Robson. “Wyvern is advancing ship identification and maritime monitoring capabilities that strengthen Canada’s domestic defence supply chain and give defence users a new layer of insight—built right here in Edmonton.”

Another $3M will go to the University of Alberta to establish a secure defence commercialization and integration centre called the Dual-use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence and Sovereignty (DEFENDS).

DEFENDS will establish capacity for Prairies based businesses to design, test, and qualify technologies for defence and dual-use markets.

DEFENDS “reflects the University of Alberta’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact for Canada’s security and economic future,” according to University of Alberta president Bill Flanagan.

“This investment will help build a stronger, more resilient defence ecosystem in the Prairies, and position Canadian innovation on the global stage,” he believes.

And, with $150K in support, The Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers will develop and deliver the Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Program pilot .

The Council “is developing and delivering the Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Pilot Program to empower Indigenous communities, businesses, and support organizations with skills and training needed to participate in Canada’s national Defence and Security supply chain,” commented executive director Raymond Wanuch.