November 21, 2025 – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, alongside the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced the establishment of Canada’s first Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) at COVE in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The Government of Canada recognizes the need for independent and resilient defence capabilities to protect its sovereignty. As part of Canada’s NATO commitments, it is actively engaging the Canadian innovation ecosystem and enhancing collaboration with like-minded partners. As part of this effort, the Government of Canada will invest $29.4M, to establish the Maritime DISH, a new hub focused on resilience and collaboration.
This pilot initiative marks the beginning of a national network of secure, purpose-built spaces, where Canadian researchers and scientists and their trusted partners can co-develop, test, and validate emerging technologies requiring classified handling.
These hubs will focus on critical areas of defence research and development essential to a resilient Canadian innovation industry. These areas include quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous systems, Arctic research, space, and—in Atlantic Canada—the Maritime DISH will focus on ocean technology.
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