30 Startups for a Sovereign Canada | Canadian30
30 startups and ecosystem builders operating in the national interest
Canada is recognizing the need for national sovereignty through hundreds of billions of dollars in generational investments, such as the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Canada Strong Fund, and its new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. According to The Canadian Shield Institute, Canada's defence spending is projected to increase 13x over the next 20 years.
While building the Canadian Explorers as the media for Canadian startups operating in the national interest, I have been writing about and speaking directly to the founders building the future of Canadian industry.
These are the 30 Canadian explorers operating in the national interest that I have been following the most closely (not a ranking).
1: Reaction Dynamics
Longueuil, Québec - est. 2017
Founder/CEO: Bachar Elzein
Frontier: Space
Reaction Dynamics is developing hybrid rocket propulsion, which combines solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer to make launch systems simpler, safer, and cheaper. The company was selected for $8.3M through Canada’s Launch the North challenge, raised $14M in Series A funding, and received a $10M grant from the Québec government.
reactiondynamics.space
2: Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC)
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2020
Founder/CEO: Daniel Sax
Frontier: Energy
Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation is building mission-critical technology for Canada’s strategic frontiers: Earth, the Arctic, and space. The company is developing portable nuclear microreactor systems designed to support remote energy, Arctic infrastructure, and future off-world operations. CSMC was awarded $400K by the Canadian Space Agency for lunar water extraction and purification technology, received $1.2M through NGen’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program, and secured $5M from Alberta for an unfueled prototype microreactor project.
strategicmissions.ca
3: Dominion Dynamics
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2024
Founder/CEO: Eliot Pence
Frontier: Arctic
Dominion Dynamics is building Arctic defence systems for sensing, autonomy, and communications in Canada’s North. The company has deployed its Auranet platform in the Arctic alongside the Canadian Rangers, raised $26M CAD in venture funding, and announced a $50M investment to build a sovereign autonomous wingman.
dominion-dynamics.com
4: Cohere
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2019
Founder/CEO: Aidan Gomez
Frontier: Cyber
Cohere is building Canadian-built sovereign AI infrastructure for enterprises and public-sector organizations. Its secure enterprise language models, retrieval systems, and agentic AI tools can be deployed in private environments for organizations that need control over sensitive data. Cohere raised $500M USD in 2025 at a $6.8B valuation, then added a $100M USD second close that brought its valuation to approximately $7B.
cohere.com
5: Sentinel R&D
Hamilton, Ontario - est. 2024
Founder/CEO: Kath Intson
Frontier: Air
Sentinel R&D is building Canadian UAV systems for the modern battlefield. The Hamilton-based company develops modular, payload-agnostic fixed-wing drones through its own composite manufacturing IP. Its drone “flies like a bat out of hell,” according to CEO Kath Intson. Sentinel recently launched Airlogix-Sentinel, a partnership with Ukrainian defence technology company Airlogix to manufacture drone systems in Canada for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
sentinelrd.com
6: North Vector Dynamics
Calgary, Alberta - est. 2022
Founder/CEO: Paul Ziadé
Frontier: Air
North Vector Dynamics is building Canadian air-defence systems to protect against drone and next-generation aerial threats. The company develops counter-UAS systems, precision interceptors, and advanced propulsion technologies, including work with Defence Research and Development Canada on high-speed and hypersonic aeropropulsion. North Vector secured a $4.2M contract with Canada’s Department of National Defence to advance hypersonic propulsion and air-defence capabilities.
northvectordynamics.com
7: Anvil
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2013
Founder/CEO: Samuel Witherspoon
Frontier: Cyber
Anvil is building Canadian intelligence software for defence, public safety, and national security. The company links intelligence, operations, and planning with AI to help mission teams analyze information faster and make better decisions in complex environments. Anvil has been building in Canadian defence for over a decade, long before the sector was in the spotlight.
anvil.ai
8: NordSpace
Markham, Ontario - est. 2022
Founder/CEO: Rahul Goel
Frontier: Space
NordSpace is building Canada’s sovereign launch capability through rockets, satellites, and spaceport infrastructure. The company is developing launch vehicles, satellite systems, and the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland and Labrador to give Canada its own path to orbit. Through NordSpace Ventures, it also backs Canadian space and dual-use companies. NordSpace was selected for $8.3M through Canada’s Launch the North challenge and has received support from the Canadian Space Agency and NRC IRAP for rocket propulsion and manufacturing.
nordspace.com
9: Prandtl Dynamics
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2023
CEO/Founder: Parth Mahendru
Frontier: Air
Prandtl Dynamics is building Canadian counter-drone technology for urban, civilian, and defence environments. The company develops acoustic detection and low-collateral drone defence systems designed to identify and disrupt drones where kinetic or RF-based systems may be unsafe or restricted. Prandtl was awarded second prize and $375K through Canada’s 2025 Urban Counter-UAS Sandbox, hosted by the Department of National Defence through the IDEaS program.
prandtldynamics.com
10: ONE9
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2013
Founder/Managing Partner: Glenn Cowan
Frontier: Capital
ONE9 is a Canadian national security venture capital and innovation platform. The firm backs dual-use, defence, security, and critical-infrastructure startups, helping turn Canadian innovation into deployable capability for government, industry, and allied partners. ONE9 has been investing in national security long before defence technology became a mainstream Canadian priority.
one9.ca
11: AVSS
Rothesay, New Brunswick - est. 2017
Founder/CEO: Josh Ogden
Frontier: Air
AVSS is building Canadian aerospace technology for safer drone operations and dual-use logistics. The company develops parachute recovery systems, flight termination systems, and precision-guided delivery tools that help drones operate safely and deliver critical supplies where landing is not possible. AVSS recently launched its Precision Avalanche Management System for drone-based avalanche control and is working with the Government of Canada through Innovative Solutions Canada.
avss.co
12: The Icebreaker
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2025
Founder/CEO: Matthew Lombardi
Frontier: Media
The Icebreaker is Canada’s defence innovation network. Its 0600 SITREP newsletter covers Canadian defence technology, procurement, founders, investors, and national security policy. The Icebreaker partners with CCI to map Canada’s dual-use technology ecosystem and co-chairs the Canadian Defence Investor Network with ONE9.
theicebreaker.ca
13: Tactiql
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2022
Founder/CEO: Mike Nelson
Frontier: Cyber
TACTIQL is building Canadian defence software for ISR data interoperability and faster battlefield decision-making. The company’s FULCRUM platform conditions, enriches, and distributes mission-critical sensor data in real time so Canadian and allied systems can work together across complex operating environments. TACTIQL has secured nearly $4M in Canadian government R&D contracts, advanced through NATO DIANA, and became the first company selected for Calian Ventures’ defence partnership.
tactiql.com
14: Horizon Aircraft
Lindsay, Ontario - est. 2013
Founder/CEO: Brandon Robinson
Frontier: Air
Horizon Aircraft is building Canadian hybrid-electric vertical takeoff aircraft for regional transport, emergency response, and defence logistics. Its Cavorite X7 is designed to take off like a helicopter, then fly most of its mission like a conventional aircraft, giving it longer range and higher operational utility. Horizon is publicly listed on Nasdaq under HOVR and recently closed $20M USD and $25M USD offerings to fund the Cavorite X7 prototype, testing, certification, and commercial production.
horizonaircraft.com
15: Canada Rocket Company
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2026
Founder/CEO: Hugh Kolias
Frontier: Space
Canada Rocket Company is building a sovereign launch capability so Canada can send payloads to space from Canadian soil, on Canadian timelines. The company is developing domestically controlled light- and medium-lift rocket systems and has attracted Canadian aerospace talent from organizations like SpaceX and the Canadian Space Agency. CRC raised a $6.2M CAD seed round and was selected for $8.3M through Canada’s Launch the North challenge.
canadarocketcompany.com
16: Open Ocean Robotics
Victoria, British Columbia - est. 2018
Founder/CEO: Julie Angus
Frontier: Sea
Open Ocean Robotics is building autonomous ocean-monitoring systems for Canadian maritime security, climate intelligence, and offshore operations. The company develops solar-powered uncrewed surface vessels that collect real-time ocean data and use AI to detect, classify, and track vessels and objects at sea. Open Ocean raised a $2.8M CAD investment round in 2024, received $800K from PacifiCan, and is leading a $3.8M Ocean Supercluster project to advance ocean monitoring in Canada.
openoceanrobotics.com
17: Lastwall
Fredericton, New Brunswick - est. 2014
Founder/CEO: Karl Holmqvist
Frontier: Cyber
Lastwall is building cybersecurity infrastructure to protect governments, defence systems, and critical infrastructure across Western democracies. The company develops identity-first security and quantum-resilient tools that stop unauthorized access before stolen credentials can be used against essential systems. Lastwall raised $16M in 2026, led by BDC Capital’s StrongNorth Fund, to expand its cyber defence platform across Canada.
lastwall.com
18: H2 Analytics
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2017
Founder/CEO: Hugo Hodgett
Frontier: Cyber
H2 Analytics is building Canadian defence training software for military, intelligence, law enforcement, and public safety teams. Its Exercise Architect Suite helps create realistic, data-rich training exercises so analysts and decision-makers can prepare for modern operational environments. H2 has supported more than 50 exercises with the Canadian Armed Forces, national security agencies, and allied partners.
h2analytics.ca
19: Juno Industries
Vancouver, British Columbia - est. 2025
Founder/CEO: Hunter Scharfe
Frontier: Arctic
Juno Industries is building a Canadian modern defence prime focused on Arctic sovereignty and autonomous systems. The company develops autonomous robotic systems, AI-native command-and-control software, and persistent sensing technology for Arctic and harsh environments. Juno was co-founded by former Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan and technology entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe, raised $12M in oversubscribed financing, and is pursuing a public listing through a reverse takeover.
junoindustries.ca
20: FireSwarm Solutions
Squamish, British Columbia - est. 2023
Founder/CEO: Alex Deslauriers
Frontier: Fire
FireSwarm Solutions is building autonomous ultra-heavy-lift drone systems for wildfire suppression, disaster response, and dual-use logistics. Its platform is designed to operate when traditional aircraft cannot, including at night, in smoke, and in conditions unsafe for pilots. FireSwarm received $500K from the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy and was selected for NATO DIANA’s 2026 Challenge Programme.
fireswarmsolutions.com
21: AirMatrix
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2018
Founder/CEO: Bashir Khan
Frontier: Air
AirMatrix is building low-altitude airspace intelligence for drones, defence, public safety, and smart cities. The company uses AI, sensor fusion, and drone traffic management software to help governments and operators detect threats, manage airspace, and safely scale drone operations. AirMatrix has received NRC IRAP funding, partnered with Palantir, and deployed its Libra AI platform to support the Government of Canada in securing national airspace.
airmatrix.ai
22: Greypoint Industries
Vancouver, British Columbia - est. 2026
Leadership: Jordan Khoo, Nicholas Chu, and Steven Xu; CEO not publicly disclosed.
Frontier: Air
Greypoint Industries is building Canadian-engineered autonomous systems for infantry and frontline defence. The company develops man-deployable drones and autonomous solutions designed to be cost-effective, scalable, and built for Western defence needs. Greypoint won Canada’s first Defence Tech Hackathon for an Arctic sovereignty concept using satellite data and drones to detect and monitor unidentified vessels.
greypointindustries.ca
23: Wyvern
Edmonton, Alberta - est. 2018
Founder/CEO: Chris Robson
Frontier: Space
Wyvern is building Canadian space intelligence through high-resolution hyperspectral satellite imagery. Its Dragonette satellite constellation can detect details invisible to traditional cameras, supporting applications in defence, maritime monitoring, agriculture, wildfire response, and environmental security. Wyvern raised a $6M USD strategic investment round in 2024, received $2.9M from PrairiesCan for maritime monitoring, and secured a strategic investment from NordSpace Ventures.
wyvern.space
24: Kepler Communications
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2015
Founder/CEO: Mina Mitry
Frontier: Space
Kepler Communications is building a Canadian space communications infrastructure. The company operates satellites that deliver real-time connectivity, optical data relay, on-orbit compute, and hosted payload services for space missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. Kepler raised a $92M USD Series C to build its optical data relay constellation and received $7M from FedDev Ontario to strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence and space capabilities.
kepler.space
25: Skyward Wildfire Technologies
Vancouver, British Columbia - est. 2024
Founder/CEO: Sam Goldman
Frontier: Fire
Skyward Wildfire Technologies is building upstream wildfire prevention to stop lightning-caused fires before they start. The company uses AI weather modelling to identify where lightning is most likely to ignite catastrophic fires, then applies precision atmospheric operations designed to reduce cloud-to-ground strikes in targeted areas. Skyward raised $7.9M CAD in 2026 to scale its platform for governments, asset owners, and critical infrastructure operators.
skywardwildfire.com
26: Quantropi
Ottawa, Ontario - est. 2018
Founder/CEO: James Nguyen
Frontier: Cyber
Quantropi is building a Canadian quantum-secure cybersecurity infrastructure for governments, defence organizations, enterprises, and critical systems. Its QiSpace platform protects data in motion and at rest against today’s cyber threats and future quantum attacks, helping Canada build domestic capability in one of the next major layers of national security. Quantropi is pursuing a public listing through a proposed merger with Mandeville Ventures and plans to raise additional capital alongside the transaction.
quantropi.com
27: ARA Robotics
Montréal, Québec - est. 2014
Founder/CEO: Pascal Chiva-Bernard
Frontier: Air
ARA Robotics is building Canadian drone systems for defence, security, mining, infrastructure, and emergency response. The company manufactures high-end automated drones with Canadian-owned navigation and sensor-data technology, helping protect sensitive operational data from foreign access. ARA and Laflamme Aéro received nearly $8.8M from the Government of Québec to advance locally designed drones, and ARA was selected for Phase 2 of Canada’s Drone Surge challenge.
ara-uas.com
28: Tessellate Robotics
Québec City, Québec - est. 2022
Founder/CEO: Dominic Baril
Frontier: Arctic
Tessellate Robotics is building autonomous navigation systems for Canada’s Arctic, defence, mining, and industrial environments. The company develops rugged GPS-denied navigation and mapping software that allows robots and autonomous vehicles to operate where satellite signals are unavailable, jammed, or unreliable. Tessellate is working with Calian VENTURES to advance autonomous navigation for Arctic defence and was selected for Canada’s NORAD Modernization S&T contest.
tessellate-robotics.com
29: Arcanus Aerial Systems
Toronto, Ontario - est. 2025
Leadership: Sandi Banerjee, President & COO; Matthew Ewing, Executive Vice-President.
Frontier: Air
Arcanus Aerial Systems is building Canadian unmanned aircraft systems for defence, ISR, emergency response, and critical infrastructure monitoring. The company develops long-endurance fixed-wing, VTOL, and hybrid UAV platforms in Canada through an ITAR-free supply chain for Canadian, NATO, and allied operations. Arcanus has announced agreements with Beyond Vision and ENS Dynamics, received formal validation from the Ukrainian military, and secured US$3.15M ahead of its Series A.
arcanus.ca
30: Building Bloc Systems
Burnaby, British Columbia - est. 2024
Founder/CEO: Dr. Harvey Hawes
Frontier: Health
Building Bloc Systems is building deployable microfactories for medical supply resilience in remote, austere, and conflict-affected environments. The company’s systems can produce prosthetics, medical devices, healthcare consumables, and critical replacement parts at the point of need, helping Canada strengthen emergency preparedness, military medical deployments, disaster response, and post-conflict recovery. Building Bloc is working on a Ukraine-focused prosthetics initiative and is seeking Canadian government pathways to fund deployment.
building-bloc.com
What is your favourite Canadian sovereignty startup? Who did I miss? Drop a reply.
Paul Ziadé: The Future of Canada's Air Defence
In Chapter One of Canadian Explorers, I sit down with Paul Ziadé to discuss developing a Canadian neo-prime, sovereign capability, startups, and what it means for Canada to start building again.
If you’re building something in Canada, I want to hear about it. contact@ethanmarcoux.com
Ethan,
Excellent piece. A list mapping out sovereign capability and national-interest infrastructure is exactly the kind of tracking Canada needs right now. However, if we are talking about actual hardware validation and genuine autonomous stability, you missed a critical builder out of the West: M.A. Patterson and SectorNorth Battlefield Solutions (SectorNorth BFS).
Patterson is quietly developing deep-tech architectures that directly solve the signature isolation and hardware stability issues most software-heavy startups bypass. They have internally pushed their core portfolio to a validated TRL 4 status, which includes:
The SectorNorth Fäust Ecosystem: A highly coordinated, 10-node autonomous suite operating across land, air, and maritime environments.
The Apex Series: Highly specialized, advanced ballistic suppression hardware built for the 5.56mm and next-generation 6.8x51mm ballistic profiles.
The Nexus-1 Project: A modular industrial methane recovery and environmental asset system that perfectly targets dual-use operational energy mandates.
Most of the domestic ecosystem stays comfortable inside incubator programs, but SectorNorth BFS is building highly scalable, ruggedized hardware designed for severe operational environments. They are at a critical inflection point—requiring targeted financial stabilization and strategic capitalization to execute their immediate scaling roadmap and move into full production frameworks.
As they map out their cross-border deployment pathways and look for the right backing to drive them forward, they are exactly the type of un-hyped sovereign asset that should be at the top of this list. You should check out Elias Thorn's detailed breakdown of their infrastructure over on the KINETIC ÆTHER Substack to see exactly how these platform signatures break down.
They need to be firmly on your radar for the next iteration.
— Elias Thorn (KINETIC ÆTHER)