Defence Minister McGuinty announces the first project under BOREALIS
News release
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.
The Maritime DISH will unite various defence and security partners, including industry, academia, naval and joint operators, and federal departments and agencies, to collaboratively develop, test, and transition new maritime technologies. Key areas of focus will include:
- undersea domain awareness;
- uncrewed and autonomous systems;
- advanced sensing and surveillance technologies; and
- AI-enabled maritime analytics.
Canada is navigating a rapidly changing global environment where shifting power dynamics and advances in technology are affecting the foundations of Canadian security and prosperity. Now, more than ever, the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity, and to driving economic growth, including through the enhancement of dual-use technologies and Canada’s military capabilities through research and development.
Quotes
“Today’s investment connects the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces with the next generation of Canadian innovators. We need to set up our industry for success – and we cannot do that if our armed forces and businesses are unable share critical information. As Canada rebuilds, rearms and reinvests in our armed forces, we will build a strong industry to support our workers and communities across the country”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“We need stronger homegrown tools to keep Canada safe, so our government is setting up a secure place in Dartmouth where experts can work on new ocean and defence technology. This new hub, called the Maritime DISH, will help protect our coastline and the Arctic. It also means more good jobs in our region and more chances for local companies to work directly with our Armed Forces.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Atlantic Canada is a culture of innovation, and COVE, with its strategic location along the shores of Dartmouth, is helping drive Canada’s ocean technology sector. The new Maritime DISH builds on this incredible work and will strengthen collaboration between innovators, researchers, and defence partners, reinforcing COVE’s role as a national asset in advancing maritime security and technology. As I always say, companies and stakeholders in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour are doing big things, and I’m thrilled that we will host this first-of-its-kind hub, creating new opportunities and supporting Canada’s security for years to come.”
The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
Quick facts
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Last month, the Department of National Defence’s science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), signed collaboration agreements with COVE and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to launch this pilot.
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COVE is Canada’s leading technology partner advancing high-impact solutions in the maritime domain – from seabed to space. Its mission is to move technology from prototype to deployment through real-world testing and validation, to support ventures’ growth into sustainable businesses, and to ensure the right talent is in place to succeed.
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The Halifax Regional Municipality provides an excellent backdrop to support the Maritime DISH moving forward. With a thriving innovation ecosystem – sustaining more than 300 entrepreneurial science and technology start-ups – it is also home to several major universities and research centres, Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet, and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic North American regional office.
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The Department of National Defence continues to work closely with Canadian industry partners to build a strong and resilient defence industrial base that supports Canada’s defence and economic needs for decades to come.
Associated links
Contacts
Maya Ouferhat
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: maya.ouferhat@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca