Strengthening Defence Readiness with the Catalyst
The Catalyst stands firmly behind Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and the national commitment to strengthening sovereign capability and prioritizing Canadian suppliers. We see this as a pivotal moment for Canadian industry.
We are equipping founders, innovators, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and high-growth companies across our programs with the insights, connections, and strategic guidance needed to engage in Canada’s defence sector, whether as suppliers, technology partners, or solution providers.
From navigating procurement pathways to understanding defence priorities and partnership opportunities, Catalyst is embedding practical support across every program to help companies confidently explore and pursue opportunities in this critical and growing market.
Opening Pathways into Canada’s Defence Sector
Activate Your Defence Strategy
Gain access to resources designed to help startups and SMEs understand defence procurement and find their place as suppliers and innovators in Canada’s defence ecosystem. Companies can engage through two distinct pathways, outlined below.
Already part of a Catalyst program?
Defence-focused opportunities, resources, and updates will be shared directly on the Catalyst Community Platform.
New to the Catalyst?
If you haven’t participated in a Catalyst program, you can register your interest in accessing upcoming defence resources and opportunities. Our team will follow up with next steps.
In the meantime, explore our Programs & Services to see how we support high-growth companies.
Upcoming Sessions
Defence Procurement 101
Join us for our upcoming Defence Procurement 101 webinar on Tuesday, April 21 from 12–1 PM EDT. This introductory session is designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that are new to the defence sector and have never sold into it before, helping them understand how to navigate procurement opportunities within Canada’s defence ecosystem.
This session will feature a fireside chat conversation between Caleb Walker, Director at 123 Cyber, and Randy Purse, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor at the Catalyst. Together, they will discuss practical insights relating to Canada’s defence landscape and generally how procurement works within the sector.
This will include: how Canada’s defence procurement system works, the pathways for engaging with government buyers and prime contractors, and practical steps SMEs can take to prepare for procurement opportunities and position themselves within defence supply chains. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A focused on procurement readiness and market entry strategies.
Whether you are a growing company exploring government markets, a technology firm with dual-use capabilities, or a business looking to better understand how to supply into the defence sector, this session will provide a procurement overview and practical guidance on how SMEs can engage with Canada’s defence market.
Tuesday, April 21st
2026
12:00 PM
EDT (UTC-4)
Virtual Event
Hosted on Zoom
Free
Cost
Previous Sessions
WATCH: Defence Sector 101 Webinar
Our Defence Sector 101 webinar featured Catalyst Special Advisor Daniel Blanc, former Director of National Security for the Canadian Armed Forces, providing an executive briefing on Canada’s evolving defence landscape. Daniel shared high-level insights into the shift toward CAF Cyber Command and the emerging market opportunities for industry leaders. The session also explored practical strategies for navigating complex procurement pathways and aligning dual-use technologies with national security priorities. Whether you are a scaling startup or an established firm, this recording offers the context needed to engage with the defence ecosystem more effectively. Watch the full session below to learn how to position your organization as a strategic partner in Canada’s security mission.
Looking to learn more?
If you’d like to hear about how the Catalyst is supporting the growth of Canada’s defence sector, register your interest and we’ll be in touch soon.