Federal government announces first Defence Innovation Hub at COVE in Dartmouth

    Federal government announces first Defence Innovation Hub at COVE in Dartmouth
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    From the Springboard Content Lab

    The federal government has announced Canada’s first Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH), COVE in Dartmouth.

    The government is investing $29.4 million to establish the hub focused on protecting Canadian sovereignty, building resilience and collaborating with the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

    This is the first in a national network of secure, purpose-built spaces in which Canadian researchers and scientists and partners can co-develop, test, and validate emerging technologies requiring classified handling.

    “Today’s investment connects the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces with the next generation of Canadian innovators. We need to set up our industry for success – and we cannot do that if our armed forces and businesses are unable share critical information. As Canada rebuilds, rearms and reinvests in our armed forces, we will build a strong industry to support our workers and communities across the country”

    Defence Minister David McGuinty

    The Department of National Defence has signed agreements with COVE and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The work is being undertaken under BOREALIS – the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science – charged with fast-tracking innovation for Canada’s defence and security.

    This network of hubs will focus on defence research and development essential to a resilient Canadian innovation industry. It will include quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous systems, Arctic research, space, and ocean technology in Atlantic Canada.

    “We need stronger homegrown tools to keep Canada safe, so our government is setting up a secure place in Dartmouth where experts can work on new ocean and defence technology. This new hub, called the Maritime DISH, will help protect our coastline and the Arctic. It also means more good jobs in our region and more chances for local companies to work directly with our Armed Forces.”

    Sean Fraser, Minister  responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    The Maritime DISH will bring together defence and security partners in industry, academia, the military and federal departments and agencies, to develop, test, and transition new maritime technologies.

    Research areas will include

    • undersea domain awareness;
    • uncrewed and autonomous systems;
    • advanced sensing and surveillance technologies;
    • And AI-enabled maritime analytics.

    Canada is navigating a rapidly changing global environment where shifting power dynamics and advances in technology are affecting the foundations of Canadian security and prosperity.

    Quick facts

    • COVE is Canada’s leading technology partner advancing high-impact solutions in the maritime domain – from seabed to space. Its mission is to move technology from prototype to deployment through real-world testing and validation, to support ventures’ growth into sustainable businesses, and to ensure the right talent is in place to succeed.
    • The Halifax Regional Municipality provides an excellent backdrop to support the Maritime DISH moving forward. With a thriving innovation ecosystem – sustaining more than 300 entrepreneurial science and technology start-ups – it is also home to several major universities and research centres, Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet, and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic North American regional office.
    • The Department of National Defence continues to work closely with Canadian industry partners to build a strong and resilient defence industrial base that supports Canada’s defence and economic needs for decades to come.