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Why you can’t just walk into defence: Ottawa program tackles industry’s steep learning curve

December 19, 2025

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“Defence is a very hard market to come into from the outside.” That’s according to Mike Nelson, CEO of Ottawa-based defence-tech firm Tactiql. The Canadian Armed Forces veteran turned entrepreneur says success in the sector is not only a matter of leadership skills, but about deep expertise and experience with a unique market, where trust and credibility are critical success factors. “Defence is a high-touch market. Sales do not scale like consumer-tech, so the approach to business development, partnerships and sales must reflect this,” Nelson explains. “You must also be well-versed in the problem-space and complexities of the military.” It’s a knowledge gap that the University of Ottawa is hoping to address with its new executive certificate in defence industry leadership, which begins Jan. 30, 2026 and offers four intensive days of training. Serge Blais, executive director of the university’s Professional Development Institute (PDI), sees the new program as vital for the city and Canada’s future. “Until now, there has been no form of professional training to equip leaders entering the industry with the necessary knowledge of Canada’s defence establishment, its priorities, evolving procurement architecture, industrial innovation ecosystem, funding programs, industry partnerships and global development strategies.”

What makes defence different

The program addresses what Blais describes as knowledge that is otherwise not accessible or takes years of on-the-job experience to gain. For example, participants will learn to navigate Canada’s defence governance model, from the Minister-DM-CDS system to capability development and industrial partnerships. The curriculum covers procurement and compliance systems including ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), controlled goods, security clearances and anti-corruption rules. Day one focuses on Canada’s defence architecture and strategic posture, including current operations like NORAD modernization and Operation Reassurance in central and eastern Europe. Subsequent days cover procurement systems, the defence industrial base, innovation programs like IDEaS and NATO’s DIANA accelerator, and the Industrial and Technological Benefits framework. The program culminates in funding and commercialization strategies for global markets. “Over four immersive days,” Blais explains, “participants gain a rare, insider-level view of how defence governance, capability development and industrial partnerships work in practice and how to navigate them effectively as an executive or transitioning professional.” Participants will learn from former defence ministers, former chief of defence staff Gen. Rick Hillier, a former national security and intelligence adviser to the prime minister, compliance experts and the CEOs of prime defence contractors. Students will complete exercises including mapping the “who’s who” of defence influence networks and exploring real-world opportunities for Industrial and Technological Benefits and other funding programs. The program targets four groups: veterans, federal public servants, private-sector executives and consultants, and SME leaders seeking to engage with defence supply chains and funding programs.

Industry validation

For Nelson, the program addresses a real hiring challenge. “Anything that addresses these questions would be helpful,” he says. “It is a key challenge for us when we hire.” His advice for the program is straightforward: focus on relationships. “Focus on customer intimacy,” he says. “And solving problems. Success in the defence market will not come from prioritizing the creation of shareholder value. Success comes from a relentless customer focus and your credibility to deliver successfully and adapt to their needs.” The program supports the Capital Defence Innovation Hub strategy announced by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Invest Ottawa, and its timing coincides with a commitment to increased defence spending by the federal government. “This uOttawa initiative builds the specialized talent and capabilities essential to Canada’s defence and security priorities,” says Sonya Shorey, president and CEO at Invest Ottawa, in a news release from uOttawa. “It strengthens our region’s leadership as a national defence innovation hub and enhances the impact we can achieve together for our economy, sovereignty and national security.”