NBIF Supports Expansion of National Defence Accelerator Anchored in New Brunswick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2026

HALIFAX, N.S - The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) has announced its support for the second cohort of Vimy Forge's national defence technology accelerator, a program that brings companies from across Canada to New Brunswick to access specialized expertise, industry networks and commercialization opportunities.

The funding will support the delivery of business acceleration, incubation and commercialization programming for Canadian startups and early-stage companies developing defence and dual-use technologies.

The announcement was made at DEFSEC Atlantic alongside partners at BDC, ACOA, and Vimy Forge as part of a broader partnership supporting the accelerator’s second cohort.

Unlike accelerators focused primarily on a regional company base, Vimy Forge recruits companies nationally and anchors its programming in New Brunswick, connecting participants with the province’s defence, cybersecurity, and research assets.

“New Brunswick has assets and expertise that are crucial to Canada’s defence and cybersecurity sectors, but their full value is realized when companies can access them, build relationships and turn that exposure into commercial opportunity,” said Jeff White, President & CEO of NBIF. “Vimy Forge brings promising Canadian companies into that environment. Our support is an investment in a stronger pipeline of companies, capital and capability, both for New Brunswick and for Canada.”

New Brunswick is home to established infrastructure, and a growing base of technology companies developing solutions for security-sensitive and dual-use markets.

The support builds on growing activity in NBIF’s defence, cybersecurity and dual-use portfolio. Earlier this year, NBIF invested $1.5 million in Fredericton-based Lastwall as part of a $16 million financing led by BDC Capital’s StrongNorth Fund.

"Canada has world-class defence and dual-use innovators, but too many face barriers getting their technology into the hands of customers and end users," said Duncan McSporran, co-founder and Managing Director of Vimy Forge. "NBIF's support allows us to bring more companies into New Brunswick, connect them with the province's unique defence and cybersecurity assets, and help accelerate their path from innovation to commercialization."

The first Vimy Forge cohort brought together 10 companies from across Canada, working in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, marine robotics, autonomous systems, space, smart textiles and counter-uncrewed aerial systems.

Through its cohort model, Vimy Forge helps companies advance toward adoption, scale and export readiness while strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, industry, government and operational stakeholders.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES

Nicole Vair
Director, Communications, NBIF
T: 506-910-1756
E: Nicole.Vair@nbif.ca

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