How Nova Scotia’s academic sector is powering Canada’s defence future

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    Summary

    Nova Scotia’s Minister of Growth and Development says the province is emerging as a key hub for Canada’s defence sector. Colton LeBlanc wrote an op-ed that said Nova Scotia is supporting the Canadian Armed Forces with construction, manufacturing, maintenance, training and innovation. Universities and colleges are also playing an increasingly important role in defence innovation. Through the Springboard Atlantic Network, companies can collaborate with researchers to develop technologies in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ocean technology, and advanced materials.

    Key Takeaways

    • Nova Scotia’s universities and colleges are a critical part of Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem, providing research expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ocean technology, and advanced materials.
    • Springboard Atlantic connects defence companies with researchers across 19 post-secondary institutions, helping accelerate R&D collaboration and commercialization of new technologies.
    • Dual-use technologies developed through university-industry partnerships in Atlantic Canada can strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities while supporting economic growth and innovation.

    How Springboard universities and colleges are supporting Nova Scotia’s leadership in defence sector

    In a recent op-ed, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc argued that Nova Scotia is emerging as Canada’s defence leader.

    He said the province is in a unique postition to lead because Nova Scotia is presently home of a large defence presence and significant infrastructure.

    “We are home to Canada’s largest military base by population, with more than 13,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and another 17,000 Nova Scotians working in defence and aerospace companies. We have the highest defence employment per capita in the country and the highest defence GDP per capita. This isn’t an emerging sector for us – it’s a proven one.”

    Colton LeBlanc, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development

    Defence investment has already begun at CFB Greenwood and CFB Halifax, where major upgrades will keep these facilities operationally fit for purpose. COVE, our internationally recognized marine innovation hub is home to Canada’s first Defence Innovation Secure Hub and NATO’s North American Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIANA).

    Springboard members are key partners in defence

    A critical part of Nova Scotia’s defence advantage is the Springboard network of universities, colleges, and applied research institutions.

    Across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, Springboard Atlantic’s network of academic institutions connects companies with researchers who are developing technologies directly relevant to defence, security, and dual-use innovation.

    From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to ocean robotics and advanced materials, these research partnerships are helping Canadian companies develop the next generation of defence technologies.

    Springboard Atlantic connects defence companies with research

    Springboard Atlantic acts as a bridge between industry and academia, helping companies access expertise, infrastructure, and talent across the region’s universities and colleges.

    For defence companies and suppliers, Springboard helps organizations:

    • identify researchers working on defence-relevant technologies
    • launch collaborative R&D projects
    • access specialized laboratories and testing facilities
    • accelerate commercialization of new innovations

    Programs like Springboard IP Advantage also support companies in navigating intellectual property agreements when working with universities — a critical issue in defence and advanced technology sectors.

    NS post secondaries already supporting defence innovation

    Several Nova Scotia institutions are already working directly with defence agencies and industry partners on research and innovation. Here are a few examples:

    Digital exhaust research helps defence leaders understand Cybersecurity risks

    Researchers at Springboard member Dalhousie University are collaborating with defence contractor Calian, on a project to help defence leaders understand how everyday digital activity creates cyber risk. The research is tracking digital exhaust signals left by everyday digital devices like phones, computers and smart products in your household.

    Advanced Naval Manufacturing for Naval Applications: Dalhousie’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub is supporting the Canadian defence sector through a research collaboration using 3D printing technology to keep Canada’s aging fleet of Victoria-class submarines operational for several more years.

    The Dalhousie Faculty of Engineering was awarded a $3.7 million grant by NSERC, the CFI, Defence Research and Development Canada, and other industry partners. This project is advancing additive manufacturing technologies (3D-printing) for copper alloys, materials used to strengthen operational readiness for the country’s navy.

    Arctic protection project at St.FX

    The Government of Canada has awarded Springboard member St. Francis Xavier University $1,361,900 to fund a three-year project entitled Closing the Gaps: Addressing Critical Challenges in Arctic Ground Search and Rescue.

    Public Safety Canada is funding the initiative through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), which funds projects that will improve Canada’s search and rescue system. This capability will enhance Arctic sovereignty and Northern defence capabilities. The project is led by Dr. Peter Kikkert, St.FX Public Policy and Governance professor and Research Fellow at the Mulroney Institute of Government. It is a research collaboration with Dalhousie and Memorial.

    NSCC’s Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative

    This is a comprehensive approach to building Canada’s defence manufacturing capacity. Running from 2015 through 2025, this program combines specialized training in critical trades (welding, fabrication, pipefitting) with applied research projects specifically targeting naval shipbuilding requirements. The “Pathways to Shipbuilding” initiatives create direct pathways from education to employment in Canada’s naval shipbuilding sector, addressing skilled labour shortages that constrain defence procurement programs.

    Dual-Use technologies are an opportunity

    Many of the technologies emerging from Atlantic Canada’s universities are dual-use innovations, meaning they can serve both civilian and defence markets.

    • autonomous ocean vehicles
    • AI-enabled surveillance systems
    • advanced communications technologies
    • cybersecurity platforms
    • space and satellite technologies

    These areas align closely with the growing defence innovation priorities identified by governments across Canada.

    By connecting defence companies with academic researchers working in these fields, Springboard helps move promising technologies from research to commercialization to deployment.

    FAQs

    How can companies work with universities in Atlantic Canada on defence technologies?
    Companies can collaborate with researchers through the Springboard Atlantic Network, which connects industry with expertise across 19 universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada. Springboard helps companies identify researchers, launch collaborative R&D projects, and access specialized research facilities to develop defence and dual-use technologies.

    What types of defence-related research are universities in Nova Scotia working on?
    Researchers at institutions such as Dalhousie University, St. Francis Xavier University, and the Nova Scotia Community College are contributing expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ocean sensing technologies, marine robotics, advanced materials, and simulation systems — many of which have both civilian and defence applications.

    What is dual-use technology and why is it important for defence innovation?
    Dual-use technologies are innovations that have both civilian and military applications. Areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ocean technologies, and advanced communications are examples where research developed at universities can support both commercial markets and national defence needs. Collaborations between industry and academic researchers help accelerate the development and commercialization of these technologies.

    About Springboard Atlantic

    Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 universities and colleges across Atlantic Canada that helps companies collaborate with post-secondary researchers to solve real-world challenges and accelerate innovation. Through programs such as Springboard IP Advantage, organizations gain support navigating intellectual property, commercialization, and research partnerships that move new technologies from discovery to market.