Defence accelerator Vimy Forge launches first cohort; receives $997K from ACOA

    Defence accelerator Vimy Forge launches first cohort; receives $997K from ACOA
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    From the Springboard Content Lab

    Fredericton-based national defence accelerator Vimy Forge has launched its first cohort of Canadian companies which will train to build, test, and scale critical defence and dual-use technologies to strengthen national sovereignty, competitiveness and security.

    On the same day as the launch, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities agency announced it will provide $997,000 to Vimy Forge through its Regional Defence Investment Initiative.

    “Vimy Forge is answering a clear call to build more of Canada’s defence and security capability at home. By supporting Canadian innovators at the earliest stages, we are helping turn world-class ideas into deployable solutions that strengthen our sovereignty, reinforce our industrial base, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.  Alongside great partners, Vimy Forge is creating an open and accessible framework to build the foundations of a stronger, more self-reliant Canada.”

    – Duncan McSporran, Founding Partner, Vimy Forge

    From left: David Myles, Member of Parliament for Fredericton-Oromocto; Laura Lee Langley, President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    Building resilience and sovereignty

    The goal of this accelerator is to contribute toward a more integrated, resilient, and future-ready national defence innovation framework.

    The first cohort of early-stage companies will benefit from hands-on mentorship and targeted training, as well as opportunities to engage with industry leaders, government partners, and potential customers.

    Through the program Vimy Forge aims to accelerate early-stage Canadian firms, build sovereign capability in critical technology domains, and generate measurable outcomes in adoption, scale, and export readiness.

    First cohort includes two Atlantic Canadian companies

    The inaugural cohort is called Black Flight, in honour of the all-Canadian B Flight of No. 10 (Naval) Squadron, which was recognized in 1917 for its distinctive all-black Sopwith aircraft and its disciplined innovation and rapid adaptation.

    The Black Flight cohort brings together 10 Canadian companies selected from across the country including two from Atlantic Canada.

    123 Cyber Inc.
    Bloomsco
    Cellula Robotics Ltd.
    Engineering Design Lab
    Prodigy Intelligence
    SeafarerAI – New Brunswick
    Tehama Technologies
    Vartis Space – New Brunswick
    WUXLY
    Xubin Aerospace

    Together, these teams represent critical capabilities across AI, cyber, autonomy, space, robotics, advanced materials, and unmanned systems – technologies that matter for national security, economic resilience, and allied interoperability. 

    Vimy Forge supported by ecosystem of industry, government and academia

    This accelerator is made possible through the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA – APECA).

    It is also the supported by a collaboration with government, industry, academic, and ecosystem partners committed to advancing Canadian defence innovation.

    Partners include University of New Brunswick (UNB), Springboard Atlantic Inc., Commissionaires Canada, DLA Piper, Profitual, Ignite Fredericton, The Icebreaker and the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity (CIC).

    Thales’ National Digital Excellence Centre (NDEC) is hosting Vimy Forge at their facility.

    In addition, we are grateful for the continued engagement and support of ACADA – Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association, whose leadership and collaboration strengthen Canada’s defence and aerospace community in Atlantic Canada.

    Over the coming weeks, the cohort will engage directly with mentors, operators, and decision-makers, accelerating the journey from promising technology to mission-relevant capability – designed, tested, and applied to meet real-world operational needs, all whilst being aligned with sovereign capital and trusted investment teams.

    By supporting organizations like Vimy Forge and accelerating early-stage Canadian companies, we are building sovereign capability in critical technologies while driving jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth. This is a major step forward for Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem.”.

    – Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    Quick facts

    • The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $357.7 million, three-year, initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). 
    • Today’s announcement is part of ACOA’s $38.2 million allocation, over three years, under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII), announced by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on December 5. 
    • With more than 200 firms in the defence industry, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience. 
    • Atlantic Canada is home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of national defence industry employment.