Led by the University of Alberta, the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence and Sovereignty (DEFENDS) program will connect Alberta companies, universities and the Canadian Armed Forces so defence technologies can be tested, certified and brought to market faster.
Many Alberta companies already make advanced products for industries like energy, environmental monitoring and construction. DEFENDS will help them adapt and certify those same products for defence use, opening new markets and new income without starting over.
“Alberta companies already build some of the best technology in the country, they just haven't had a streamlined path into defence markets. DEFENDS changes that. We have the research talent and advanced manufacturing expertise, and now, DEFENDS gives them the facilities and connections they need to win contracts and keep the economic benefits right here in Alberta.”
The University of Alberta anchors DEFENDS through some of the most advanced and secure research facilities in Canada, including the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies (Canada's only university-embedded defence innovation centre), nanoFAB (the country’s largest open-access micro and nanofabrication facility), and one of only two North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Test Centres at a Canadian university.
“DEFENDS is about building Canada’s future defence capability here in Alberta. We already have the talent, industrial capacity, research strengths and military partnerships needed to lead. By bringing government, industry, researchers and the Canadian Armed Forces together, DEFENDS creates a place where we can solve real problems and deliver real capability for Canada.”
“Alberta is positioned well to be a strong player in growing Canada’s defence industry. With access to talent, technology, and land, DEFENDS will help companies become even more competitive options for defence-related investment. This means jobs, economic growth, and diversification for years to come.”
Three new secure facilities will also be built through the initiative, expanding Alberta's capacity to test advanced manufacturing components, develop microchips and communication systems, and evaluate radar and wireless technologies against real-world threats.
DEFENDS is the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy 2.0 in action. It brings together post-secondary institutions from across the province including the University of Calgary, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and rural college networks. This Team Alberta approach ensures students, researchers and communities across the province play a role in the applied research, job training and innovation that will drive local employment and long-term economic growth.
“Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are leading applied research and testing that strengthens Canada’s defence capabilities and supports our sovereignty. DEFENDS brings institutions and industry together to move ideas into real-world solutions. This creates new opportunities for students and researchers in leading-edge facilities and builds the skilled talent Alberta needs to grow our economy and compete in emerging defence and aerospace markets.”
DEFENDS is built so that the ideas, patents and profits created by Alberta researchers and companies stay in Alberta. This means the long-term economic value of defence innovation strengthens the province while building international partnerships. This investment reflects the government's commitment to building a stronger, more diversified economy.
“We are sincerely grateful for the Government of Alberta’s support of the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence and Sovereignty, or DEFENDS. This support will allow us to expand our secure research infrastructure and ensure we are fully prepared to drive Canada’s defence research initiatives forward.”
Quick facts:
- DEFENDS focuses on three areas aligned with Alberta's strengths: advanced electronics and intelligent sensing; space and aerospace technologies; and next-generation uncrewed systems and platforms.
- The $21-million investment from Technology and Innovation and Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration is part of a $127-million initiative over 10 years. For every dollar Alberta invests, about $6 in partner funding follows.
- Over 10 years, DEFENDS is projected to support more than 8,000 jobs and more than 200 Alberta companies, and generate more than $7 billion in gross domestic product growth.
- Alberta is home to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, 4 Wing Cold Lake and Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield, making it one of Canada's most strategically positioned provinces for defence innovation.