Message from Sophie Galarneau – A/Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Research and Development Canada (20-21)

Every day we see firsthand the momentum and drive required to improve our defence and security capabilities, and protect our people. It truly does take a small village of talented people to power this change.

From the outreach that bring innovators through our doors, to the scientists that labour over challenge statements and proposals, the procurement specialists that make the gears of the money machine move, and the leadership that propels the ship forward, it takes many.

Did I forget anyone? How about our innovators, without whose seemingly endless energy and drive we would be at a standstill. Integrators, challenge management experts, administrative staff, element leads…the list goes on. The IDEaS team is enviable in its expertise.

We rely on many internal and external partners to move projects through our innovation ecosystem. Innovators bring their ideas and concepts. Our internal partners help to manage the challenges, provide technical assessment and review proposals. And our DND/CAF stakeholders help to shape and guide the technology.

Our program regularly draws on the capacity and personnel of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), DND’s national network of science and technology research centres. We are grateful for the invaluable contribution and expertise of our Defence scientists.

Only four years ago, the program was printed words in a policy. It is now a lively, bustling hub of inspiration, people and concepts that will advance our safety and security for decades to come. That is why IDEaS exists; we support DND/CAF’s mission by stimulating innovation and bringing solutions to enhance defence capabilities.

Our ecosystem has been building, and the robust program of work that is now being supported is expanding, taking shape and going places that not long ago were merely dreamed about. And thanks to the hard work of all of you, we are about to take full advantage of the future.