The Defence Opportunity: Navigating Investment & Procurement Pathways
Join us for an insightful session exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of defence, aerospace, and dual-use innovation. As global priorities shift and investment in defence capabilities grows, there is a significant opportunity for startups, scale-ups, and technology companies to engage in this space—but understanding how to navigate it is key.
This session will provide founders, innovators, and companies with a clearer view of the opportunities available within defence and procurement ecosystems. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to position their technologies, prepare for engagement, and successfully work within this complex and highly specialized sector.
Featuring perspectives from leaders active in defence and dual-use portfolios, the discussion will cover:
Emerging opportunities in defence, aerospace, and dual-use innovation
How companies can prepare to enter and succeed in this market
What procurement processes look like and how to engage effectively
Key considerations for building partnerships in this space
Whether you're already exploring dual-use applications or just beginning to consider the defence sector, this session will help demystify the landscape and highlight actionable pathways forward.
Speaker:
Dominic Ross, Senior Business Officer, Defence & Aerospace Initiatives, Alberta Region (Edmonton)
Dominic is the Senior Business Officer for Defence and Aerospace with Prairies Economic Development Canada located in Edmonton, Alberta. He is the regional rep responsible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). The RDII is a $379 million dollar national program designed to provide SMEs operating in the defence space with access to low-cost capital via project based zero percent loans. Prior to this, Dominic worked in a number of investor advisory and technical subject matter expert roles with the Government of Alberta for 11 years supporting major capital investments including the DOW Chemical Path2Zero project. He previously worked in Hong Kong for a number of years conducting due diligence and risk management investigations for international clients. He speaks French, English and Mandarin. Dominic completed both his graduate and undergraduate degrees at the University of British Columbia.
Doors open at 9:30 AM. Programming begins at 10:00 AM followed by a Q&A.
Photography & Video Consent
Events and workshops hosted in our space may be photographed or recorded. By registering for or attending an event, you consent to the use of photographs and video footage that may include you for promotional and marketing purposes. If you wish to opt out, you must identify yourself at reception upon arrival so appropriate accommodations can be made.