Former federal defence minister Harjit Sajjan and technology entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe have launched Juno Industries, a Vancouver-based defence technology company focused on developing autonomous systems for Canada and its allies.
The new company is positioning itself at the intersection of national security, sovereignty, and emerging defence technologies, as Canada increases investment in modernizing its military capabilities. Sajjan will serve as executive chairman, while Scharfe takes on the role of chief executive officer.
Juno Industries closed a $3 million seed financing round in the fall of 2025. The company is backed by a group of prominent Canadian entrepreneurs and investors, including Geordie Rose, founder of D-Wave and Sanctuary AI, who is serving as a senior advisor to the company.
Sajjan said the launch reflects priorities he emphasized during his time as minister of national defence. “I’ve stressed the need for predictability, certainty, and a clear path forward to strengthen our military and defence sector,” he said, adding that Juno’s team has the “talent, know-how and capital” to help advance defence innovation in Canada and among allied partners.
The company is launching amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change. Juno Industries is focused on advancing dual-use autonomous systems designed for high-consequence environments, operating under a defined development program.
Canada has committed approximately $80 billion over the next five years to modernize its defence capabilities, with growing emphasis on domestic innovation, industrial capacity, and sovereign technology — a backdrop that Scharfe says creates a significant opportunity.
“We are in the opening innings of a generational growth cycle in defence technology,” Scharfe said. “Juno Industries is focused on strengthening sovereignty and improving security outcomes for Canadians and our allies.”
According to the company, Juno Industries will harness Canadian technical talent and innovation to build autonomous systems that support national security objectives at home and abroad.
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