Ontario Tech opens new pathway to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Ontario Tech University has reached a significant milestone in its contribution to Canada’s defence priorities by qualifying as a supplier in the federal government’s Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) Marketplace. Prominently, Ontario Tech is the only university in Ontario among the qualified suppliers, positioning the university to compete for future Department of National Defence contracts supporting the development and testing of Canadian drone and autonomous technologies.

“Canada's security and sovereignty are strengthened when we turn research and development into practical capabilities,” said Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. “Ontario Tech is ready to help meet that need, connecting our research expertise and specialized facilities with industry and government partners. Our 'tech with a conscience' approach means advancing these technologies with purpose, responsibility and human oversight.”

Ontario Tech’s qualifying capabilities include environmental and vibration testing, testing resilience to signal jamming and satellite navigation disruption, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, robotics and mechatronics, sensor testing and cybersecurity. This expertise helps partners evaluate how emerging technologies perform under demanding conditions and address evolving defence and security needs.

Ontario Tech qualified under Stream 5, Innovation and Experimentation, which enables the university to propose, demonstrate and advance emerging technologies in support of future Canadian Armed Forces capabilities. This qualification establishes an important pathway for Ontario Tech to deepen its role in Canada’s drone and defence sectors, pursue future opportunities across the DDI Marketplace and make a growing contribution to national security.

The qualification builds on Ontario Tech’s growing leadership role in Oshawa’s National Defence Innovation Corridor and Canada’s defence innovation network. Its ACE research and testing facility, a NATO DIANA test centre, gives partners access to specialized environments that complement the university’s research strengths. In May 2026, the federal government announced a $5-million investment to expand ACE’s capabilities as a Canadian defence technology hub, helping companies develop and commercialize technologies domestically.

The DDI Marketplace is a five-year supply arrangement through which the Defence Investment Agency invites qualified suppliers to compete for future Department of National Defence contracts involving uncrewed and autonomous systems, counter-uncrewed technologies and related capabilities. Ontario Tech’s qualification places the university among a select group of organizations positioned to contribute to the next generation of Canadian defence and security technologies through partnerships with industry and government.

About Ontario Tech University

Ontario Tech University connects education, research and partnerships to the responsible use of technology. With strengths in artificial intelligence and energy, the university prepares graduates to contribute to a changing workforce with technical expertise, professional judgment and adaptable skills. Its researchers work with industry and community partners to address practical challenges, improve how organizations operate and support economic development and community resilience. Ethics, sustainability and the needs of people guide this work in Canada and internationally.

Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact

Patricia Pickett
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
news@ontariotechu.ca