IDEaS Marketplace 2026: From research to readiness

June 24, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:55

By Pascal-Olivier Ouandji, Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Program, Defence Research and Development Canada

More than 800 innovators, industry partners, Defence Team members, and government representatives gathered in Ottawa on May 29 for the fifth annual Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Marketplace event. Held just after Canada's global defence and security trade show (CANSEC), the event promotes defence innovation and strengthens partnerships.

"IDEaS Marketplace is designed to help meet the evolving needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and strengthen Canada's defence innovation ecosystem," said Philippe Hébert, Director General, Innovation and head of the IDEaS program. "Over the past five years, we have brought together more than 3,000 innovators, military personnel, and partners to advance solutions toward operational readiness."

A central theme this year was accelerating the transition of innovative ideas into operational capability. In her opening remarks, Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence Natasha Kim highlighted how IDEaS investments are delivering results. She pointed to a minefield breaching technology developed by Beneath the Horizon Research Inc. that uses a specialized foam to neutralize mine triggers.

The technology attracted international attention following a demonstration at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown. Ukrainian military observers requested material for evaluation, and the solution is now undergoing field trials and laboratory certification activities with European partners. It has also been tested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for potential firearm-disabling applications.

"It took one small event in Canada to turn a concept into a reality that could prevent injuries and save lives," Kim said. She also highlighted IDEaS recipient, Ecopia, signing a contract with the CAF to transition its AI-powered mapping software into operational use.

Brigadier-General Louis Lapointe, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Joint Forces Command, echoed the urgency of accelerating innovation in his keynote address. "If our innovations take 10 years to be scalable and usable, we will be rapidly outclassed by our adversaries," he said, stressing the need for close collaboration between industry and the CAF to rapidly develop and refine capabilities.

This year's Marketplace drew a broad and diverse crowd, underscoring IDEaS' role as a hub for Canada's defence innovation community. Representatives from BOREALIS, Accelerated Growth Services, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, Export Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Innovative Solutions Canada, the SR&ED program, MINERVA, NATO DIANA, and Regional Development Agencies were among those present. Allied nations including Japan, Australia, Denmark, Ukraine, and France also sent representatives.

The event featured booths, networking opportunities, and presentations showcasing advances in uncrewed aerial systems, minefield breaching, Arctic operations, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence. This momentum is reflected in the program's growth: the IDEaS annual budget is scaling from $65 million toward $200 million to support major national initiatives including NORAD Modernization, Space Launch Capability, and the new Defence Innovation Secure Hubs.

For more: IDEaS program.