A pitch competition will be held during the 2026 Alberta Aerospace and Defence Summit, and provides a unique opportunity for startups, SMEs, researchers, and industry teams with Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) to pitch their solutions to industry experts and leaders, gain valuable exposure and feedback, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Applicants may also provide permission for their information to be included in the amalgamated list of policy enablers, and/or to be invited to participate in future surveys, focus groups, and round table discussions that will be conducted as part of the READI project, described below.
This is a unique opportunity to highlight innovative technologies with the potential to drive meaningful change within the Alberta aerospace and defence sector.
Submission Deadline: April 6
Successful applicants will be notified and invited to pitch by the week of April 20.
The READI Project:
EDTs significantly alter how industries, businesses, and societies operate, often replacing established methods and creating new markets. They are reshaping the character of conflict and the strategic environment in which Canada’s Defence Team must operate. Because they are central to advanced military capabilities, national security, and economic prosperity, EDTs present threats and opportunities that Canada must respond to in order to successfully defend and advance Canadian interests, at home and abroad.
Through the READI (Rapidly Enabling and Advancing Disruptive Innovation) Project, funded by Canada's Department of National Defence, Alberta AAD will explore the following question:
"What EDT trends could the Defence Team anticipate and how could they be addressed in defence policy development?"
As part of the READI Project, Alberta AAD will:
Engage companies with EDTs
Explore EDT trends in Alberta and Western Canada.
Understand and make recommendations regarding what policy and innovation enablers are needed to support adoption of EDTs and respond to EDT Trends.