As robotics, physical AI, and autonomous systems redefine the global security landscape, Canada has a critical opportunity to leverage new defence spending commitments to solve the national productivity crisis and boost our global competitiveness. This panel will explore how to foster a dynamic, two-way technology transfer where innovation flows efficiently between defence, aerospace, and key civilian sectors.

Drawing on insights from industrial, defence, and R&D policy, and the experience of scaling robotics firms, we will delve into the practical steps needed to secure a robust Canadian robotics ecosystem. The discussion will focus on creating a strategic pipeline for reciprocal innovation, ensuring that defence-developed robotics and physical AI find commercial applications while enabling civilian technologies—from hard sectors like advanced manufacturing and logistics—to be adapted for defence needs.

We will also address how this integrated approach can generate broader benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the industries that underpin our economy, and the crucial role of building public trust to sustain this vital ecosystem for long-term national security and economic resilience. Drawing lessons from the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, we will discuss why and how strategically integrating robotics into Canada's constellation of priority technologies can secure the nation's security, prosperity, and competitiveness on the world stage.

Robotics and autonomous systems are becoming pervasive in our world today. Many argue they underpin the future of the economy and national productivity. In another sphere, many argue they underpin the future of defence and national security. Canada needs both, and has recently announced a significantly increased commitment to defence innovation.

Bringing these national needs together requires collaboration between dual-use deep tech investors and defence and security early adopters. This fireside chat, in collaboration with the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, will explore the core ingredients of a public-private framework that delivers patient capital to innovators who develop dual-use technologies and connects defence procurement to act as a powerful catalyst for national security innovation and economic prosperity. 

The dialogue will discuss the future of defence robotics, with a focus on Canadian needs, what a deep tech investor looks for, and how public investment can generate a "defence dividend"—leveraging early defence investment to build globally leading commercial companies.

This panel explores how municipalities can transform from passive test sites into powerful lead customers, shaping a robotics and AI industry that serves their strategic interests and national priorities.

Moving beyond the familiar terrain of one-off pilot programs, this discussion tackles the financial realities faced by cash-strapped municipalities. It will draw on real-world examples in last-mile delivery, logistics, and housing development construction. Panelists will share their insights on designing and implementing programs that not only test new technologies but also create a path to long-term adoption and a demonstrable return on investment.

The conversation will cover how cities can leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regulatory authority to drive innovation that addresses critical needs, such as affordable housing, infrastructure inspection and maintenance, and efficient urban logistics. Acknowledging the lessons learned from past urban tech initiatives, this panel will offer a candid look at how municipalities can shift from bearing a broad array of financial burdens — from the initial cost of pilots and infrastructure overhauls to the long-term expenses of maintenance, regulation, and workforce training— to actively shape a market that serves their strategic interests and supports broader national priorities.

This will include a discussion on the essential role of federal and provincial alignment and support, using a major industrial cluster strategy as a model for how municipal, private sector, and government interests can converge. The aim is to explore how municipalities can be empowered to become proactive partners and drivers of a thriving, locally-focused robotics ecosystem.