Presentations

Presenter(s) TBC

Description TBC

You will hear from the panelists regarding the Government of Canada’s vision for a strong Canadian defence industry for a secure and prosperous Canada. As it advances Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the Government of Canada will be guided by a clear vision: A robust Canadian defence industry that provides technological and operational advantage to the Canadian Armed Forces and its security partners in their mission to defend Canada, and maximizes growth, job creation and economic benefits for all Canadians. Make sure you add the DIS panel discussion to your itinerary to see how you can play an important role in Canada’s defence industry.

As the defence environment rapidly evolves, the ability to move innovation from concept to operational capability has never been more critical. At DEFSEC, Calian will introduce Calian VENTURES, Canada’s first defence innovation orchestrator—designed to accelerate high-potential Canadian technologies into mission-ready solutions for the modern battlefield. This session will explore why the timing is right for a new orchestration model that connects SMEs, operational needs and defence programs. Attendees will also hear how Calian’s C5ISRT interoperability capabilities are enabling real-world development through our first VENTURES partner, Tactiql, demonstrating how emerging technologies can be integrated, scaled and delivered faster to support Canadian and allied forces. Join us to see how VENTURES is transforming innovation into operational advantage.

What does it take to modernize one of the most complex, regulated, and mission-critical organizations on the planet? Tom Soderstrom did exactly that at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer — and the lessons apply directly to Canada’s defence industry today. Now a Global AWS Executive in Residence, Tom has guided digital transformations across highly regulated industries worldwide. In this keynote, he’ll share a practical recipe for cutting through bureaucracy, accelerating delivery, and building resilient, sovereign-ready capabilities — without waiting years for the perfect conditions. Whether you’re a small business trying to compete for DND contracts, a prime navigating complex procurement, or a defence leader looking to modernize your team, Tom’s keynote will give you real tools, real customer stories, and a clear path forward. Build Smarter. Move Faster. Be Limitless. — and find out how Canada’s defence industry can lead the way.

The conversation about national defence in Canada is taking on a new sense of urgency. This is a time of significant challenge and meaningful opportunity. Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, says that the ingenuity of industry is essential to building a modernized Army that is strong, proud, and ready to meet this moment.

Presenter(s) TBC

Description TBC

Presenter(s) TBC

Description TBC

Western Canada is well positioned to play a larger role in strengthening Canada’s defence industrial capacity—but turning potential into results requires capital, partnerships, awareness, and clear paths to market. This session brings together regional and national players shaping Canada’s defence ecosystem to explore where defence demand is emerging, how it translates into real opportunities for Western Canadian SMEs and other partners, and how collaboration and coordinated support can help SMEs compete, scale, and integrate into Canada’s defence supply chain.

Presenter(s) TBC

Description TBC

Presenter(s) TBC

Description TBC