CDDE is a sovereign, end to end Canadian innovation network that turns Canada’s research strength into operational maritime defence and globally competitive dual-use solutions. It keeps and creates IP, talent, and high-pay jobs in Canada, strengthens Canada’s sovereignty, and meets climate and strategic goals. CDDE tightly couples research and prototyping, builds a resilient domestic supply chain with Indigenous co-innovation, and links national institutes, industry clusters, and defence agencies - while leveraging joint R&D and capability demonstration partnerships with Germany and Norway.
AI-driven sensor fusion, autonomous surface/sub-surfacevessels and cyber-defence for a secure maritime domain.
Persistent autonomous monitoring, environmental data modelling and resilient communications to protect Canada’s High-North.
Low-emission propulsion, energy-efficient platforms, and climate-resilient infrastructure for both defence and civilian use.
All three are enabled by research, engineering, and manufacturing in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), Autonomy and Emerging Technologies.
CDDE will be anchored in Canada’s leading universities, research institutions, and commercialisation partners, integrating Indigenous businesses, SMEs, DEI‑focused firms, and large corporations into a sovereign, inclusive supply chain, while leveraging joint projects and formal collaborations with German and Norwegian research institutes and partners.
The CDDE is constantly being expanded with new partners. We are continually adding additional collaborators and stakeholders, so the network keeps growing and becoming more diverse. Stay tuned for more details about the latest additions and how they will enhance the overall system.
Western University, in London, Ontario, is a top Canadian research and teaching institution, Western University brings together diverse minds and disciplines from all over the world. Located in London, Ontario, Canada, Western is home to more than 43,000 students and over 382,000 alumni in 160 countries. Research is integral to the University’s mission and external support for research projects is $315 million per year.
Western University and TKMS have entered into a strategic collaboration to establish the first foundational pillar of a Canadian Defence and Dual-use Innovation Ecosystem. This initiative focuses on accelerating technological leadership in support of Naval Superiority, Arctic Research an Clean Technologies, advancing national capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomy, and capabilities enabling Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).
Western University, in London, Ontario, is a leading Canadian research university known for strong academics, vibrant campus life, and global impact. Founded in 1878, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, health sciences and more, and consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Western University’s Faculty of Engineering is active in cutting-edge research with strengths in sustainability, energy systems, wind and disaster engineering, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical applications, and it hosts advanced facilities and collaborations with industry and international partners.
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Western University, in London, Ontario, is a leading Canadian research university known for strong academics, vibrant campus life, and global impact. Founded in 1878, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, health sciences and more, and consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Western University’s Faculty of Engineering is active in cutting-edge research with strengths in sustainability, energy systems, wind and disaster engineering, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical applications, and it hosts advanced facilities and collaborations with industry and international partners.
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Western University, in London, Ontario, is a leading Canadian research university known for strong academics, vibrant campus life, and global impact. Founded in 1878, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, health sciences and more, and consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Western University’s Faculty of Engineering is active in cutting-edge research with strengths in sustainability, energy systems, wind and disaster engineering, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical applications, and it hosts advanced facilities and collaborations with industry and international partners.
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Western University, in London, Ontario, is a leading Canadian research university known for strong academics, vibrant campus life, and global impact. Founded in 1878, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, health sciences and more, and consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Western University’s Faculty of Engineering is active in cutting-edge research with strengths in sustainability, energy systems, wind and disaster engineering, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical applications, and it hosts advanced facilities and collaborations with industry and international partners.
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Western University, in London, Ontario, is a leading Canadian research university known for strong academics, vibrant campus life, and global impact. Founded in 1878, Western offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, health sciences and more, and consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Western University’s Faculty of Engineering is active in cutting-edge research with strengths in sustainability, energy systems, wind and disaster engineering, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical applications, and it hosts advanced facilities and collaborations with industry and international partners.
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CDDE is a world‑class Canadian network that links cutting‑edge university research, Indigenous co‑creation, and strategic partnerships with Germany and Norway to accelerate commercialisation of defence and dual‑use solutions.
By providing direct pipelines from labs to market, the CDDE shortens development cycles and leverages joint funding streams, while harmonizing regulations across the three nations. Indigenous involvement enriches innovation with local knowledge and supports talent diversification, and close German‑Norwegian ties grant access to complementary expertise, certification pathways, and additional capital.
The ecosystem retains talent, IP, and economic value in Canada, strengthening national supply‑chain sovereignty and creating high‑skill jobs. Dual‑use technologies can be repurposed for civilian markets, multiplying ROI, and shared testing facilities, together with joint threat intelligence, boost security and system resilience. Altogether, the CDDE cultivates a vibrant, cross‑disciplinary innovation culture that turns Canada’s technology leadership into a lasting strategic advantage.
Secures strategic sovereignty by Canadian-owned supply chains for critical defence and dual-use technologies
Transform cutting-edge technologies into market-ready products that deliver naval superiority and ensure sovereign Arctic security
Transforms university research into operational and export-ready solutions, generating spin-offs and high-paying jobs across the country
Creating high-value economic and leadership opportunities for Indigenous communities within Canada’s defence and dual-use innovation landscape
By coupling AI, MDO, and autonomy within an end-to-end innovation pipeline, the ecosystem transforms breakthroughs into operational, field-ready capabilities.
Supports Canada’s climate change commitments through sustainable, domestic production
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Join us in forging a robust national and allied ecosystem that brings together visionary innovators, leading‑edge industry partners, and strategic allies.
By pooling our expertise, resources, and ambition, we will transform Canada’s world‑class technology leadership into a decisive strategic advantage—fueling rapid commercialisation, strengthening our defence and economic security, and positioning the nation at the forefront of global innovation.
Ready to shape the future of defence and dual‑use innovation?
Connect with us today and become part of the Canadian Defence & Dual‑Use Innovation Ecosystem
