Canada recently invested nearly $50 million into eight BC-based projects designed to accelerate defence innovation and help local businesses integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains.
The funding, through Pacific Economic Development Canada, will support the University of British Columbia and others
British Columbia “has the talent, innovation, and expertise to help protect Canada,” according to Gregor Robertson, minister responsible for PacifiCan.
“By investing in research infrastructure and helping businesses scale up, we’re ensuring B.C. companies can seize defence opportunities while building prosperity across the province and Canada,” he stated.
PacifiCan is delivering the funds through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, a three-year initiative delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
With more than $20M in support, UBC will develop a handheld automated system designed to detect pathogens and monitor health during critical situations, such as defence operations and fieldwork.
And UBC’s Quantum Matter Institute will upgrade equipment to help smaller businesses build next-generation computer chips, sensors, and advanced materials in B.C.
The university will also establish the Asymmetric Last Line research accelerator targeting the design, manufacturing, and deployment of new defence and dual-use technologies with a focus on power systems, aerospace materials and structures, computing and AI, marine technologies for harsh environments, sensors and instrumentation, and defence assets.
“UBC is grateful for PacifiCan’s support for research that strengthens Canada’s sovereignty and drives economic growth,” remarked Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia. “These investments will enhance research infrastructure and accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in critical areas including life sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum, as well as marine and aerospace technologies.”
Simon Fraser University garnered about $20M to deploy and operate the Vancouver Quantum Network, a testbed that connects research, industry, and government partners across Metro Vancouver through quantum-secure communications. SFU will also establish a secure computing network to train AI models and process sensitive data for both defence and civilian uses.
The UBC-Sauder Creative Destruction Lab also received funding alongside Alacrity and the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries.
“These investments are giving local B.C. companies the momentum to scale up, break into defence supply chains, and create good jobs close to home while delivering the equipment the CAF needs,” believes Jill McKnight, Associate Minister of National Defence. “They are investments that strengthen Canadian safety, security, and sovereignty while also growing our economy at the same time.”
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative is part of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, which is investing $6.6 billion to spark the Canadian industrial base and supply chains with an aim to create 125,000 careers.
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