A $3-million investment in the University of Alberta is set to accelerate Alberta’s role in national security and aerospace with the launch of the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence and Sovereignty (DEFENDS) initiative.
DEFENDS creates an environment where innovators and industries in Alberta – and across Canada – can connect with the Canadian Armed Forces, turning ideas into real capabilities. This will accelerate the pace at which existing manufacturers, fabrication shops and technology firms can transform their expertise and products into dual-use innovations – products with both civilian and military applications, says Aminah Robinson Fayek, vice-president (research) at the U of A.
“The Edmonton region already has the research, the expertise — and, in many cases, the existing products. This first investment in DEFENDS will enable us to start building the infrastructure and pathways to support companies as they expand into defence, space and aerospace applications,” says Robinson Fayek. “And this investment ensures we will be at the forefront in supporting the growth of our Alberta businesses, providing the platform for our innovators.”
The funding is part of a federal investment of more than $6.1 million through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative. This investment in three Alberta-based organizations will expand Canadian production of defence equipment, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
This first investment into DEFENDS will accelerate our ability to provide businesses with secure facilities and infrastructure to prototype, test and innovate new dual-use technologies. The initiative is expected to drive significant long-term economic growth.
"DEFENDS reflects the University of Alberta's commitment to translating research into real-world impact for Canada's security and economic future,” says Bill Flanagan, U of A president and vice-chancellor. “This investment will help build a stronger, more resilient defence ecosystem in the Prairies, and position Canadian innovation on the global stage."
The university is a founding partner of the Edmonton Region Defence Alliance (ERDA), which also includes the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Edmonton Global, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). It is also home to one of only two NATO DIANA test centres in Alberta. The institution also houses nanoFAB, Canada’s largest open-access micro and nano fabrication centre, the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies (CARDD-Tech), and a Safeguarding Research Office that sets a national benchmark for secure research governance.
Two other Alberta-based groups received funding through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative. Wyvern – a world-leading space data company founded by U of A graduates – received $2,993,348 to enhance its satellite-based technologies and products to improve ship identification and maritime monitoring technologies. The Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) received $149,850 to develop and deliver the Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Program pilot to empower Indigenous communities, businesses and support organizations with skills and training needed to participate in Canada's national defence and security supply chain.