Over $135 million invested through NRC IRAP Defence Industry Assist to help Canadian businesses develop defence and dual-use technologies

Supporting Canadian innovators to scale technologies, strengthen supply chains and compete globally

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- A strong and innovative defence sector is vital to Canada's security, economic resilience and sovereignty. By investing in the development of made-in-Canada technologies, the Government of Canada is strengthening domestic supply chains, accelerating innovation, building capacity in critical sectors, and positioning small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to succeed in global markets.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced that the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has invested more than $135 million in defence and dual-use technologies since launching Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist). The initiative helps Canadian businesses understand the defence market and procurement processes, explore early-stage R&D ideas and refine, test or validate technologies that are closer to completion.

From cybersecurity and communications infrastructure, to maritime and underwater systems, aerospace, drones and space, Canadian SMEs are advancing the critical technologies that will strengthen our economic and national sovereignty. Since its launch in January 2026, DI Assist has helped 860 Canadian SMEs, enabled over 540 innovation projects and supported more than 2,300 jobs across Canada.

DI Assist supports innovation across all 10 key sovereign capabilities identified in Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). The investment and initiatives under the DIS are helping create 125,000 jobs, increase Canada's defence exports by 50%, and position Canada's defence economy at its strongest level in decades.

Through NRC IRAP expertise, networks, and targeted funding, DI Assist is helping Canadian companies bring strategic technologies to market, support high-quality jobs, strengthen Canada's industrial and innovation capacity, and contribute to Canada's defence and security objectives.

Quotes

"In an increasingly dangerous and complex world, our government is investing in Canadian expertise to build a stronger and more resilient defence industrial base. Through NRC IRAP's long-standing relationships with innovative Canadian businesses and its national reach, DI Assist has invested in Canadian companies who are building Canada's defence future, innovating cutting-edge technologies, and contributing to Canada's defence and security priorities."

-- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"Canadian SMEs play a critical role in developing technologies that drive economic growth and national security. Building on the National Research Council of Canada's long-standing role in advancing defence and security research, DI Assist is helping innovative businesses bring new ideas to market, strengthen Canada's industrial capabilities and create opportunities across the country."

--  Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada

Quick facts

• In January 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $241 million investment in NRC IRAP to launch Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist), which has since provided advisory services and funding to 860 Canadian SMEs and supported more than 2,300 jobs.

• Seventy-nine percent of supported businesses have fewer than 50 employees, and about half were incorporated within the last 10 years. Nearly one-quarter are owned or led by women.

• For more than 75 years, NRC IRAP has supported Canadian business through its network of more than 250 industrial technology advisors who provided advisory services and funding to over 10,800 innovative Canadian SMEs in 2025-26.

• Under Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, the NRC is investing over
  $900 million to develop aerospace defence capabilities, support Canadian SMEs developing technologies for civilian and military purposes, and accelerate quantum technologies and defence applications.

• Canadian SMEs looking to explore DI Assist opportunities are encouraged to visit the website for more information.

Associated links

NRC IRAP support for SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies - National Research Council Canada
Defence research at the NRC

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SOURCE National Research Council Canada

Contacts: Media Relations, National Research Council of Canada, 613-991-1431, [email protected]; Gabrielle Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]