News Summary

The Canadian federal government has announced a $900 million investment into the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to foster innovation in drone technology and to introduce a defence-focused stream within its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). This initiative is part of the broader $6.6-billion Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to capitalize on significant defence spending over the next five years. The NRC, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and industry partners, is allocating $500 million towards aerospace and autonomous technologies, including the development of a Drone Innovation Hub. This hub is intended to strengthen Canada’s capabilities in drone and aerospace technologies, enhance development and testing, and assist the industry in qualifying new technologies. Additionally, the NRC IRAP’s DI Assist stream will provide $241 million to support high-potential, innovative Canadian small-to-medium enterprises. The strategy underscores the government’s focus on leveraging Canadian strengths in areas like AI and quantum technologies and scaling domestic defence businesses.