On February 20, 2026, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), and the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced an investment of over $46.6 million in funding for eight BC projects that accelerate defence innovation and help local businesses integrate into defence supply chains.
These projects, awarded through PacifiCan's Regional Defence Investment Initiative and part of Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy, represent foundational investments in BC's defence capabilities.
UBC researchers are leading four of the eight projects, awarded a combined investment of $22 million.
UBC-led Projects
Quantum Manufacturing Infrastructure for Innovation and Defence Readiness
Project Leads: Andrea Damascelli (Physics & Astronomy; Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute) and Pinder Dosanjh (Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute)
Upgrade equipment at the Quantum Matter Institute to help small- and medium-sized businesses build next-generation computer chips, sensors and advanced materials right here in B.C. This will strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in quantum computing and the secure communications capabilities our military requires.
Asymmetric Last Line – Enabling a Suite of Sovereign Canadian Defence Capabilities
Project Lead: Adam Clare (Mechanical Engineering)
Establish the Asymmetric Last Line (ALL) research accelerator to accelerate the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of new defence and dual-use technologies. ALL will focus on power systems, aerospace materials and structures, computing and AI, marine technologies for harsh environments, sensors and instrumentation, and attritable defence assets. This will help B.C. innovators bring advanced defence and security solutions to Canada and its Allies faster.
Development and supply-chain capacity for next-gen biothreat detection technologies
Project Lead: Karen Cheung (School of Biomedical Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Centre for Blood Research)
Develop a handheld automated system designed to rapidly detect pathogens and monitor health during critical situations, such as defence operations and fieldwork. This dual-use innovation will help strengthen Canada's capacity to respond to potential health risks, both at home and abroad.
UBC Sauder School of Business Founders Lab: Scale-up program for BC defence tech ventures
Project Leads: Darrell Kopke (Sauder School of Business; Founders Lab) and Sean Elbe (Sauder School of Business; Founders Lab)
Help defence technology companies in B.C. scale-up, grow and access defence and dual-use supply chains through defence procurement training, targeted mentorship opportunities, direct engagement with defence prime contractors, and on-site support at key industry events. This will help drive business growth, create new market opportunities, and position B.C. companies for success in global defence industries.