David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, gives his remarks,during an innovation announcement at the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth Friday November 21, 2025. TIM KROCHAK PHOTOArticle contentThe Government of Canada will spend $29.4 million on the first maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) at Dartmouth’s Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE).THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentDefence Minister David J. McGuinty made the announcement, alongside Sean Fraser, minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), on the Dartmouth waterfront Friday.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe pilot project marks the beginning of a national network of secure, purpose-built spaces where Canadian researchers, scientists and trusted partners can co-develop, test and validate emerging technologies that require classified handling.Article content“As a leader in marine innovation, COVE is the right place to pilot this initiative,” said McGuinty. “COVE has become a proven ground for dual-use technologies, tools that strengthen our country’s national security and economic resilience. This centre is exactly what Canada needs to stay globally competitive in this era of volatility and change.”Article contentLast month, the Defence Department’s science and technology organization Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) signed collaboration agreements with COVE and ACOA to launch the pilot.Article contentMelanie Gaudet, COVE’s chief executive officer, said she is excited for the opportunity to turn Canadian innovation into operational capabilities.Article contentArticle content“I believe that the establishment of this at COVE is a defining moment for Canada’s defence innovation,” said Gaudet. “It’s a start, and I am excited for what is to come next. This is a strategic partnership and we are creating an engine for collaboration and capability development in national security.”Article content David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, gives his remarks, as Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, looks on, during an innovation announcement at the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth Friday November 21, 2025.TIM KROCHAK PHOTOArticle contentArticle contentThe hubs are to focus on critical areas of defence research and development, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous systems, Arctic research and space. The Maritime DISH will focus on ocean technology in Atlantic Canada.Article contentMcGuinty said the it will unite defence and security partners, including industry, academia, naval operators and federal departments and agencies to collaboratively develop, test, and transition new maritime technologies. Key areas of focus are to include undersea domain awareness, uncrewed and autonomous systems, advanced sensing and surveillance technologies and AI-enabled maritime analytics.
Feds DISH out $29.4m for defence innovation to Dartmouth’s COVE
