Ottawa is Canada’s seat of government: the home of policymaking, diplomacy, and public service. That foundation has shaped our economy, our talent base, and our global reputation for generations. It is also why the National Capital Region is uniquely positioned to lead Canada’s next era of growth: advancing as a centre for innovation, industry, and investment through a strong and growing defence and dual-use technology sector.
Across our region, more than 300 companies are already active in defence, security, aerospace, and advanced technology. This concentration of expertise reflects decades of research excellence, collaboration between sectors, and a shared commitment to public purpose. And it is why we play a defining role in strengthening Canada’s prosperity, security, and global competitiveness.
A Moment of Alignment
National priorities and local strengths are coming together in powerful ways. Canada’s growing focus on defence capability, sovereign innovation, and resilient supply chains aligns directly with the economic development goals of our region, creating opportunity for businesses, workers, and communities alike.
Regional partners including Invest Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau and the Ottawa Board of Trade recognized early that this alignment represented more than a policy conversation. It represented a generational opportunity. Together, we began convening leaders across sectors to explore how Ottawa-Gatineau could intentionally build on its strengths and scale its defence and dual-use ecosystem.
That collaboration led to a clear milestone: the launch of the region’s defence innovation strategy, a roadmap confirming what many had already seen firsthand, our region has the assets, talent, and partnerships to anchor Canada’s growing defence economy.
From Strategy to Action
Momentum accelerated with the formation of the National Defence Innovation Hub Task Force, co-chaired by the Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau, led by Invest Ottawa and supported by industry, academia, and government partners. The Ottawa Board of Trade is proud to serve as an executive member of this task force, helping ensure businesses of every size can participate in and benefit from this expanding sector.
The appointment of General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier as Honourary Chair brings unparalleled experience, national-level insight, and trusted leadership to this effort. As a respected defence advisor and one of Canada’s most recognized military leaders, his guidance is strengthening our strategic direction and elevating the national profile of Ottawa–Gatineau’s innovation ecosystem. His recent appearance at City Hall further demonstrated the depth of his perspective and the importance of this work, offering a powerful opportunity to showcase the conversation and insights shaping Canada’s future strength.
Evidence in Action
Our leadership in this space is already visible through the achievements of companies operating here. Globally respected firms such as Telesat and Calian demonstrate how technologies developed in Ottawa contribute to both commercial markets and national security missions. Their success shows how local innovation can scale globally while strengthening Canada’s strategic capabilities.
Emerging companies across the region are also gaining traction, supported by partners, investors, and programs that help them develop and deploy advanced technologies. Together, these firms form a dynamic ecosystem where ideas move quickly from concept to application; generating jobs, attracting investment, and advancing solutions that benefit society.
Building Confidence Through Collaboration
Key discussions at events such as the 2026 Ottawa’s Economic Outlook highlight the depth of confidence leaders in the know have in this sector’s potential. Participants from business, government, academia, and community organizations consistently point to Ottawa’s rich network of technical talent, world-class research institutions, and deep culture of collaboration rooted in public purpose as a competitive advantage.
One of the most exciting opportunities is attracting the proposed Defence Security & Resilience Bank to be headquartered in Ottawa. This cornerstone institution will fund innovation, de-risk investment, and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies while reinforcing the Canada’s capital city as a national and global hub.
Why This Matters
Defence innovation strengthens far more than military capability. It fuels economic diversification, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, advances research breakthroughs, and creates technologies that benefit everyday life, from communications to cybersecurity to transportation systems.
For Ottawa-Gatineau, it also builds resilience. As economies evolve, cities that succeed are those that leverage their strengths and adapt with purpose. Defence and dual-use innovation align naturally with our region’s research excellence, collaborative culture, and tradition of service.
A Shared Opportunity
What makes this moment remarkable is how many partners are working together to seize it. Invest Ottawa brings entrepreneurship and commercialization expertise. The City of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau provide strategic direction and global positioning. The Ottawa Board of Trade convenes leaders and connects business to opportunity. Companies bring innovation, talent, and ambition. Governments provide policy alignment and investment signals.
Together, this collaboration is shaping next chapter of the National Capital Region. One defined by growth, confidence, and global relevance.
Ottawa governs a nation and is building the capacity to safeguard its future. Working together, we are strengthening our economy, supporting our businesses, and ensuring that Canada’s capital remains a place where ideas become solutions and innovation drives prosperity and security for all.
