November 21, 2025 – In a significant step toward bolstering Canada’s defence capabilities, Defence Minister David J. McGuinty has announced the establishment of the country’s first Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
This pilot project, unveiled on November 21, 2025, marks the inaugural effort under the BOREALIS initiative, aimed at fostering secure collaboration in cutting-edge defence technologies.The announcement, made alongside Minister Sean Fraser of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Member of Parliament Darren Fisher for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, highlights a $29.4 million investment from the Government of Canada to create this specialized hub at the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE).
The Maritime DISH is designed to serve as a secure, purpose-built space where researchers, scientists, and partners can co-develop, test, and validate emerging technologies that require classified handling.At its core, BOREALIS seeks to build a national network of such hubs, focusing on critical defence areas like quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous systems, Arctic research, and space.
In Atlantic Canada, the emphasis will be on ocean technology, addressing key challenges in maritime security. The Maritime DISH will prioritize undersea domain awareness, uncrewed and autonomous systems, advanced sensing and surveillance technologies, and AI-enabled maritime analytics.
This initiative unites a diverse array of stakeholders, including industry leaders, academia, naval and joint operators, federal departments, and agencies such as Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).
By facilitating collaboration in a classified environment, the hub aims to bridge the gap between the Canadian Armed Forces’ needs and innovative solutions from the private sector. Last month, DRDC formalized partnerships with COVE and ACOA to kickstart this pilot, leveraging Halifax’s robust innovation ecosystem—which includes over 300 science and technology startups, universities, research centres, Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet, and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.
Minister McGuinty emphasized the strategic importance of the project in a rapidly evolving global landscape. “Today’s investment connects the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces with the next generation of Canadian innovators,” he stated. “We need to set up our industry for success – and we cannot do that if our armed forces and businesses are unable share critical information. As Canada rebuilds, rearms and reinvests in our armed forces, we will build a strong industry to support our workers and communities across the country.”
Echoing this sentiment, Minister Fraser highlighted the regional benefits: “We need stronger homegrown tools to keep Canada safe, so our government is setting up a secure place in Dartmouth where experts can work on new ocean and defence technology. This new hub, called the Maritime DISH, will help protect our coastline and the Arctic. It also means more good jobs in our region and more chances for local companies to work directly with our Armed Forces.”
MP Fisher praised the local impact, noting Atlantic Canada’s innovative spirit. “Atlantic Canada is a culture of innovation, and COVE, with its strategic location along the shores of Dartmouth, is helping drive Canada’s ocean technology sector,” he said. “The new Maritime DISH builds on this incredible work and will strengthen collaboration between innovators, researchers, and defence partners, reinforcing COVE’s role as a national asset in advancing maritime security and technology.”
The BOREALIS initiative aligns with broader Canadian goals of enhancing sovereignty, security, and prosperity amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements. By investing in dual-use technologies and fostering NATO-aligned collaborations, Canada aims to develop resilient defence capabilities that support both military and economic objectives.This first DISH sets the stage for a nationwide expansion, positioning Canada as a leader in defence innovation while creating opportunities for job growth and technological advancement in key regions like Atlantic Canada.
