Seen & Heard: Defence Procurement Innovator Exchange in Ottawa

Leaders from Canada’s defence, technology, and policy communities gathered in Ottawa on December 9 for an Innovator Exchange on how dual-use technologies are reshaping Canada’s innovation landscape and security posture.

The in-person session brought together founders, executives, policymakers, and public servants for a candid conversation on the opportunities and constraints facing dual-use companies that work at the intersection of commercial markets and national security.

Dana O’Born, incoming Chief Strategy Officer at the Council of Canadian Innovators, moderated the panel discussion, guiding the conversation on the role of dual-use technologies in Canada’s innovation and defence ecosystems.

“Dual-use companies are building capabilities Canada needs for both prosperity and security, but too often they face unclear requirements, slow processes, and a system that treats innovators like vendors instead of partners,” said Dana O’Born. “The path forward is practical: clearer entry points, smarter procurement, and contracts that protect Canadian intellectual property so these firms can scale at home and compete globally.”

Natalie Raffoul, Managing Partner at BRION RAFFOUL LLP, emphasized the importance of intellectual property (IP) strategy for dual-use companies. Contract language, licensing terms, early patent filings and data ownership often determine whether firms retain control over their most valuable intangible assets.

“If you are working with government or a large prime contractor, the IP terms are not contract boilerplate,” Raffoul said. “They decide whether your company can pivot into adjacent markets or other supply chains to scale and grow value in Canada,” she said. “A strong IP strategy is not a luxury for dual-use companies—it’s core to commercialization.”

Lesley Gouldie, CEO of Thornhill Medical, spoke from the perspective of a Canadian company that has taken advanced medical technology into both civilian and defence markets. Gouldie described how long testing cycles, certification requirements, and fragmented procurement processes can delay the adoption of life-saving and mission-critical systems.

“For dual-use innovators, the first reference customers matter enormously,” Gouldie said. “When government becomes a serious customer, not just a funder, it validates the technology, shortens sales cycles in other markets, and gives investors more confidence in the business. That buyer signal is incredibly powerful.”

Brigadier-General Walter Norquay, Director General Information Capabilities Force Development with the Canadian Armed Forces, emphasized the opportunity for Canadian industry to work together with Defence in shaping capabilities that clearly connect dual-use innovation to operational outcomes.

He remarked: “We’re inspired by the potential and keen to explore how Canadian ingenuity and industry collaboration can deliver the next generation of dual-use solutions that strengthen defence priorities, particularly in areas like data infrastructure and decision-support.”

In closing, MP Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n–Parkdale–High Park, linked the discussion in the room to Canada’s broader economic and security priorities.

“Dual-use technologies are where security and prosperity meet for Canada. If we want to stay competitive and protect our interests, we need to work alongside innovators who are building capabilities that matter both at home and with our allies,” Bardeesy said.

This Innovator Exchange was presented by the Council of Canadian Innovators in partnership with BRION RAFFOUL LLP.

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À propos du Conseil des innovateurs canadiens

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) represents more than 175 of Canada’s fastest-growing technology companies. Founded in 2015, CCI advocates for policies that help Canadian innovators scale globally, create prosperity at home, and strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty.