A leader in defence research
For more than a century, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has advanced research and innovation that strengthen Canada's defence, security and prosperity.
Building on this legacy, we are expanding our role under the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy to accelerate innovation and help Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.
With deep expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, and strong partnerships with the Department of National Defence, Canadian industry and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the NRC is driving the development of sovereign defence capabilities.
The NRC hosts 5 NATO DIANA test centres across Canada. Together, they provide facilities, expertise and access to NRC infrastructure to help innovators test and develop new technologies that align with NATO's strategic priorities.
These efforts will strengthen Canada's security and competitiveness, reinforce strategic industrial capabilities, and deliver technologies that contribute to national security while supporting economic growth.
Areas of focus
The NRC draws on extensive research and innovation strengths and partnerships to advance Canada's defence sector. Our areas of focus include:
Industry: We provide advice and funding to help high-potential, innovative Canadian SMEs advance made-in-Canada defence and dual-use technologies, through the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) initiative.
Aerospace: We invest in next-generation aerospace technologies and work with collaborators in industry and academia in the development of autonomous systems and new defence solutions. This includes a Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft that serves as a collaborative platform for testing advanced technologies, and a new Drone Innovation Hub to accelerate the commercialization of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies.
Quantum: We advance quantum and post-quantum technologies for secure communications, ultra-sensitive sensing and next-generation computing. We also invest in benchmarking leading-edge platforms, strengthening quantum measurement, and supporting the fabrication of quantum devices in Canada.
Biotechnology: We catalyze our bio-industry to develop sovereign biologics and medical countermeasures against priority threats. We leverage our domestic manufacturing capacity to enable commercialization and at-scale production of biologics to strengthen Canada's defence preparedness and health security.
Arctic: We support Canada's Arctic sovereignty by developing and validating naval, coastal and underwater systems for harsh environments. From ship and submarine hydrodynamics and port design to digital twins and autonomous marine platforms, we test, analyze and advance fleet readiness, Arctic situational awareness and infrastructure resilience. We also strengthen northern energy resilience by testing renewable microgrid systems to ensure reliable and secure power. Our work also supports northern operations through technologies that enhance critical transportation infrastructure such as ice roads to improve food security and resilience for defence and civilian needs.
Find out more about our research programs and initiatives that support Canada's defence and security sector.
Defence Industry Assist
Support for SMEs to develop and scale made‑in‑Canada defence and dual‑use technologies
Defence research in aerospace
Drone technologies, digital twins and virtual testing to support air defence
Defence and security systems in transportation
Advanced mobility, autonomous systems and sustainable technologies for transportation
Quantum Internetworking Challenge program
Solutions for networking quantum sensing, computing and communications technologies
Internet of Things: Quantum Sensors Challenge program
Revolutionary sensors for applications in the environment, natural resources, health care and defence
Quantum Safe Technologies Initiative
Assess quantum computing threats and develop quantum-safe systems to enhance the security of Canada's critical infrastructure
Biomedical Countermeasures Initiative
Accelerating biologics-based solutions for defence preparedness, health security and national resilience
Featured stories
Collaboration
We work with industry, academia and government to advance research and accelerate technological progress.
Through NRC IRAP, we provide advice, connections and funding to help Canadian SMEs increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market. Through our Challenge programs, we provide grant and contribution funding for joint R&D with private and public sector, academic and other research organizations.
Connect with us to explore opportunities for collaboration in defence research.
Latest news
- Minister Joly, Minister McGuinty and Secretary of State Fuhr announce over $900 million to boost defence innovation
- Prime Minister Carney launches Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen security, create prosperity, and reinforce strategic autonomy
- Minister Joly announces over $240 million to boost defence innovation support for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses developing dual-use technologies
Contact us
Industry
NRC IRAP
Toll-free: 1-877-994-4727
Aerospace
Business Development team
Email: nrc.aerobdt-edaaero.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Quantum
Alexander Munro
Director, Business Development
Email: Alexander.Munro@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Biotechnology
Paul Payette
Director, Business Development
Email: Paul.Payette@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Arctic
Rob James
Director, Business Development
Email: Robin.James@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
AI and cryptography
Mark Stoochnoff
Director, Business Development
Email: Mark.Stoochnoff@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca