The Department of National Defence <> Canadian Builders

​Some of the most influential policy leaders in the country are coming together for one night with military personnel, startups and investors to discuss how startups and DND can better work together.

​Agenda:

• ​Inform innovators on the various mechanisms to engage with DND.

• ​Inform DND: how can DND improve its pathways for startups?

• ​Align & coordinate within DND, provincial and federal stakeholders.

​Background:
The Department of National Defence’s budget has grown significantly and they have $1.2 trillion to spend, while Canadian founders are building the next generation of defence tech. Despite the mutual desire to work together, it's surprisingly hard for these two groups to talk to each other.

​We are hosting this event to bridge the gap.

​Speakers:

• ​Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry Policy, Department of National Defence

  • ​Have you heard of the Defence Industrial Strategy? She wrote it.

• ​Rear-Admiral D.J. Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific

• ​Boris Wertz

  • ​Sold his startup to Amazon, Partner at a16z for 8 years, founder of VersionOne VC.

• ​Naina Sloan, President of PacifiCan

• ​A panel of defence tech founders serving the CAF.

​Who is coming?

• ​Leaders & operators from:

  • ​🪖 The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

  • ​💰 Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)

  • ​🍁 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

  • ​👀 Global Affairs Canada, and more.

• ​Investors

• ​Startups

• ​You

​If you’re a startup, builder, student, investor or anyone else who is interested in building with the DND, this event is for you.

This event is in-person and will not be recorded or streamed.

Space is limited so please RSVP early.