Deadline Date: July 24, 2026
The Japan Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA), in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is organizing a co-innovation mission to Japan from September 28 to October 2, 2026 aimed at supporting Canadian companies in building partnerships within Japan’s public safety and security innovation ecosystem.
The focus areas and themes of the mission include dual-use and defence technologies such as uncrewed systems, drones and robotics, surveillance and communications technologies for remote and critical environments including image enhancement, vision processing and digital forensics, solutions designed for harsh environments including cold-weather applications, remote power and energy systems, and analytics and intelligence technologies including cybersecurity, asset health monitoring, and infrastructure analytics, with applications relevant to transportation, energy, telecommunications, and crisis management at large or public facilities.
The program is anchored around SEECAT 2026, a business exhibition in Japan dedicated to emerging public safety and security technologies, where participating companies are connected with key stakeholders, major corporations, investors, and organizations responsible for critical infrastructure operations. It is designed to enable collaboration between Canadian SMEs and Japanese partners interested in co-developing and commercializing advanced technologies through research and development and proof-of-concept projects.
Participating companies benefit from structured market briefings focused on doing business in Japan, including cultural and regulatory insights, alongside guidance on import considerations and market entry. The program also provides access to senior industry stakeholders, mentorship for pitching and engagement strategies, and opportunities for business-to-business meetings with potential buyers, investors, and strategic partners. Additional support includes workshops, networking sessions, and targeted advisory interactions aimed at strengthening commercialization pathways and validating technology fit for the Japanese market.
Between eight and ten Canadian companies will be selected to participate, and applicants are required to submit a concise pitch deck of up to seven minutes along with a YouTube link and supporting materials for evaluation. Eligibility is focused on fast-growing Canadian SMEs working in AI-enabled dual-use and defence technologies, including but not limited to robotics, surveillance systems, remote sensing, cybersecurity, and infrastructure intelligence solutions.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
