Expanding defence and dual-use technology in B.C.

VANCOUVER -

Summary

• British Columbia is launching a new, provincewide defence and dual-use technology testbed, the eighth in the Integrated Marketplace program delivered by Innovate BC through the Look West strategy
• Companies will be able to deploy defence and military-use cases for innovative technology in real-world settings, with additional civilian (dual-use) applications
• Companies will benefit from $30 million in new funding for Integrated Marketplace program

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Innovative B.C. companies now have the opportunity to test, deploy and scale technologies and innovations that support good jobs and strengthen Canada's defence sector as part of the Province's Look West strategy and in support of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.

"In a changing global landscape, it's more important than ever that B.C. supports businesses with technologies that can strengthen our security, our sovereignty and our economy," said Adrian Dix, acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. "With the federal government's commitment to investing billions of dollars into Canada's defence industry, our government's Look West strategy is helping companies win contracts and develop solutions that keep Canadians safe, while creating good jobs here at home."

Strengthening defence and dual-use technology

Through the Integrated Marketplace program, delivered by Innovate BC, the Province is launching a new defence and dual-use testbed, which will operate throughout British Columbia providing a secure, real-world environment for companies to test, deploy and scale advanced technologies. The testbed will support B.C. technology companies to develop and validate technologies aligned with Canadian or allied defence priorities.

This testbed, and others introduced through the Integrated Marketplace program, will benefit from $30 million in new funding as part of the Province's new tariff support package for B.C. businesses.

The testbed will focus on projects that:

• have clear defence applications
• align with Canadian sovereign capabilities and/or allied priorities
• demonstrate support from government or defence-sector partners (though co-funding is not mandatory)

While priority will be given to military-use cases, the testbed will also support technologies that can be applied in civilian contexts.

"As Canada works to strengthen its defence sector, B.C. companies are developing technologies with the potential to make a meaningful contribution," said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. "The new Defence and Dual-Use Testbed will help B.C. companies validate their solutions alongside defence partners and gain the credibility and traction needed to scale. In doing so, we're not only building Canadian capability in a strategically critical sector, we're advancing the Province's Look West strategy toward lasting benefit for British Columbians."

Consistent with national, international standards

The definition of "dual-use" technologies will align with federal government and NATO standards. This ensures B.C. companies can better access procurement pathways and partner with national and international defence organizations. Dual-use technologies are innovations that can serve both military and civilian purposes, such as in logistics, communications, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, marine and aerospace.

"The new defence and dual-use technologies testbed will position B.C. to strengthen ties with global partners and advance technologies that serve both defence and civilian needs," said Darlene Rotchford, parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs and MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood. "The testbed will build on our role as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific, supporting innovation, economic diversification, and export growth while contributing to the security and resilience of Canada and its allies. This work is a key part of our Look West strategy."

Part of the Look West strategy

Created by the Government of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan in 2023, the Integrated Marketplace is a demand-driven platform delivered by Innovate BC that helps B.C. companies test, deploy and scale their innovations in real-world environments while de-risking technology adoption for partnering industry customers.

This work is another step forward in the Province's Look West strategy, specifically its goal of securing 35% of federal defence-vessel contracts over 10 years. Look West outlines B.C.'s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent economy.

It includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture construction innovation, mining and critical minerals development.

Quick Facts:

• B.C.'s investment in the Integrated Marketplace includes as much as $71.5 million from the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth and $11.7 million from the Government of Canada through PacifiCan.
• The Integrated Marketplace is a demand-driven platform to test, deploy and scale made-in-B.C. innovation while de-risking technology adoption for key industries in the province.
• There are now eight testbeds in B.C.

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