Innovation at the Edge

​Innovation ecosystems are undergoing a fundamental shift. Governments, institutions, and strategic industries are increasingly turning to startups for breakthroughs in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and other critical technologies that strengthen national resilience and sovereign capability.

​At the same time, founders are exploring new pathways to engage with public sector and institutional partners — often navigating complex procurement systems, compliance requirements, and long sales cycles.

​Join us for a panel discussion bringing together ecosystem leaders, investors, and founders to unpack how startups can meaningfully participate in building sovereign technological capability.

​🎙️ Speakers

• ​Peter Suma - Managing Partner, BDC StrongNorth Fund

• ​Lesley Gouldie - CEO & President, Thornhill Medical

• ​Skaidra Puodžiūnas - Senior Director, CCI

​💬 What We'll Cover

• ​The new sovereign innovation landscape — why startups are becoming critical to national resilience

• ​How startups can engage with government and institutions: pilot programs, grants, and procurement pathways

• ​Emerging opportunity areas: AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, satellite intelligence, quantum, and more

• ​Public-private collaboration models

• ​Building dual-use companies — balancing commercial scale with strategic opportunity

​🗓️ Format 45-minute panel discussion, followed by 15 minutes of audience Q&A and networking.

​Whether you're a founder exploring institutional partnerships, an investor tracking dual-use innovation, or simply curious about where startups and sovereign capability intersect — this is a conversation you won't want to miss.