Innovation news

As Canada’s artificial intelligence ecosystem grows, one factor is reshaping the field: access to computing power. For years, only large institutions could afford the hardware needed to train advanced models. That picture is beginning to change with new national programs focused on expanding compute access for small and medium‑sized enterprises. The goal is clear—help founders test and deploy data‑driven tools without the steep infrastructure costs that once put such work out

Canada’s resource sector, often seen as a steady pillar of the economy, is entering a period of rapid transition. With federal and provincial initiatives streamlining permitting and expanding infrastructure investments, the country is seeking to accelerate domestic production of critical minerals. These minerals—essential for batteries, clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing—are now central to national innovation policy. Faster approvals and coordinated infrastructur

Canada’s 2025 consultations on seed regulations are entering a decisive phase, and plant breeders across the country are watching closely. The proposed amendments are designed to clarify how gene-edited crops are reviewed, aiming to shorten approval timelines without lowering scientific standards. Researchers hope that predictability in assessment will support both innovation and public confidence, as new varieties move from university labs and pilot greenhouses toward commer

This winter’s policy updates are reshaping how Canadian campuses plan the next wave of ventures. New federal measures on study permits, attestation letters and post‑graduation work eligibility are tightening timelines for international students who want to join innovation projects. At the same time, limits on off‑campus work hours are forcing professors and startup mentors to adjust hiring calendars and budget cycles. For campus incubators that have relied on international pa

Canada’s biomanufacturing landscape is entering a new phase of expansion as training programs shift from pilot scale to full national deployment. With new facilities coming online in Vancouver in 2025 and academic programs evolving rapidly, the focus is turning to core skills that convert research talent into production-ready specialists. Cleanroom protocols, contamination control, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification are no longer capstone modules—they are the

Canada’s expanding Lab to Market networks are rethinking how public research turns into real ventures. The 2025 rollout adds new regional hubs and refreshed training models that connect university and college teams with practical commercialization paths. Rather than viewing discovery and enterprise as competing worlds, these networks treat them as parts of a single continuum — one that values technical validation, social benefit and early contact with customers. Behind this

Canada’s updated research security framework is reshaping how universities and startups collaborate on sensitive projects. The federal release of a sensitive technology list this year signals closer review of international affiliations and intellectual property arrangements. For teams developing new materials, AI tools, or quantum systems, it means increased attention to where data is stored, who has access, and how results may be applied abroad. The intent is clear: safeguar

Canada’s defence and security landscape is shifting toward earlier, more collaborative innovation. The federal procurement reset, which includes the new Defence Investment Agency, is sending signals that small ventures and research teams can engage earlier in capability development. Under this approach, the boundary between academic research, emerging startup activity, and government acquisition is beginning to blur. Dual use technologies—those with both civilian and military

Transport Canada’s new remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) framework marks a turning point for Canada’s drone sector. Beginning April 1, 2025, training for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations will open, ahead of the first approved missions on November 4. For research teams, drone manufacturers, and public labs, these dates set a clear path for aligning coursework, simulations, and field testing with national standards. They also raise immediate questions about

Canada’s new research security guidelines are quietly rewriting the rules of academic–industry collaboration. From mandatory partner attestations to careful reviews of sensitive technologies, the intent is clear: to protect Canadian discoveries while keeping innovation open and competitive. For university spinouts and early venture teams, the shift has created a new layer of diligence that extends well beyond the lab bench, demanding stronger data practices and sharper awaren