AIAC is exploring new ways of sharing time-sensitive opportunities with our members and industry stakeholders. Be sure to check out some of the ongoing funding, procurement and collaboration opportunities below!

Funding Available for Select Industry Events

Did you know, through our partnership with the CanExport Program, AIAC members can access funding to attend select international events, including:

International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026)
Kielce, Poland • September 7-11, 2026

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.


Procurement and market-access platforms

Government of Canada Opportunities

[DEADLINE EXTENDED] CanExport SMEs Funding Program

The application deadline for the 2026–2027 CanExport SMEs funding program has been extended to August 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET).

CanExport SMEs helps Canadian small and medium-sized businesses diversify exports and expand into new international markets through funding for eligible business development activities.

Important: Review what’s changed this year before applying.
[NEW] Request for Information: Worldwide Satellite Communications – Protected MILSATCOM Tactical Project
The Defence Investment Agency is requesting industry information and feedback regarding the Worldwide Satellite Communications Protected Military Satellite Communications Tactical project.
  • Notice Type: Request for Information
  • Focus: Protected tactical military satellite communications
  • RFI Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026
  • RFI Closing Date: July 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT
Mitacs Accelerate Defence & Security Call
Mitacs, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence, has launched a new funding call supporting applied research and innovation projects that advance Canadian sovereign capabilities identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
  • Eligible Areas: Aerospace, space, sensors, training and simulation, digital systems (AI, quantum and cyber), specialized manufacturing, uncrewed systems and Arctic sovereignty
  • Who Can Participate: Canadian post-secondary institutions partnering with Canadian businesses and other organizations contributing to Canada’s defence industrial base
  • Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
Projects may receive support through Mitacs Accelerate internships involving Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral researchers, helping organizations advance mission-relevant R&D while building Canada’s future defence and security workforce.

Procurement and market-access platforms:

NATO Funding, Procurement Opportunities & Market Access Opportunities

[NEW] NATO Front Door for Industry
NATO has launched its new Front Door for Industry, a centralized portal designed to make it easier for companies to identify and pursue business, procurement, innovation and partnership opportunities across the Alliance.

The platform provides a single entry point to opportunities from key NATO organizations, including NATO Headquarters, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and Allied Command Operations (ACO).

Companies can explore current and future procurement opportunities, learn about eligibility requirements, connect with NATO innovation initiatives and better understand how to engage with the Alliance.
NATO Edge 2026
Registration is open for NATO Edge 2026, taking place November 17-19, 2026 in İzmir, Türkiye. The event brings together senior NATO leaders, national representatives and industry executives for keynotes, strategic panels, business briefings, breakout sessions and networking across a 200-exhibitor innovation floor.
  • Dates: November 17-19, 2026
NATO NIAG 2026 Study Program
The 2026 NATO Industry Advisory Group (NIAG) study program has been approved by the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD). These studies provide industry with an opportunity to help inform future NATO capability development across key defence and security domains.

Highlighted studies include:
  • Electronic Components Accessibility for Munitions and Sensors (SG321)
  • Low level airspace management and control facilitating enhanced rotorcraft operations and survivability when engaged with a peer state threat (SG322)
  • Cost Efficient Airborne Air and Missile Defence Effects (SG323)
  • Assessing Industry Readiness for Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Solutions (SG329)
  • Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) Capability Enhancement: An Industrial Perspective on Rapidly Emerging Capabilities and Interoperability Challenges posed to NATO (SG331)
  • Digital Airworthiness Certification, the Way Forward (SG333)
NIAG Exploratory Group meetings are being held in person at NATO HQ in Brussels. Participation and access requirements vary by study and may include security clearance requirements. For participation details, contact the Canadian NIAG Head of Delegation, Nicolas Todd, at Nicolas@defenceandsecurity.ca.