Dear Colleagues and Partners,

I'm reaching out to share an exciting opportunity announcedhttps://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/news/2025/12/prairiescan-launches-new-initiative-to-help-smes-across-the-prairies-meet-canadas-defence-and-security-needs.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawOtT2FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExT1RKR0NOUG41S0JUUzFsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHggaOorucBBJHLSXk7x8UYd0XZSQf7KTb6o41fTonf4SGyWap5r3I3gIJzv8_aem_kIxxApo7CBJBrcc0VPQAoQ by the Government of Canada through PrairiesCan: Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII)https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-defence-investment-initiative/information.html and invite you to collaborate with University of Lethbridge researchers on projects that align with this program.

About RDII The RDII is designed to accelerate the integration of Prairie businesses and research ecosystems into defence supply chains. It supports projects that build capacity, innovate, and adapt technologies for defence applications - both in Canada and internationally. This is a chance to strengthen Canada's defence industrial base while creating meaningful partnerships between academia, industry, and government.

Why This Matters for Stakeholders

* Access to significant funding for projects that advance defence priorities

* Opportunities to partner with UofL researchers in areas such as environmental monitoring, imaging, AI, quantum technologies, and human resilience

* Opportunities to connect with regional and other Alberta PSI partners in creating regional strategies and priorities, new research methods and commercialization

* Build long-term collaborations that connect regional expertise with national security needs, focusing on Total Security models of defence and dual-use research that is inclusive of all elements of security and defense

Key Details:

* RDII EOI Deadline: March 2026

* Eligible Costs: Labour, equipment, consultancy, commercialization, certifications (e.g., cybersecurity, Controlled Goods Program), and more

* Retroactive Costs: Eligible up to 12 months prior to a signed funding request (no earlier than April 1, 2025)

* Program info: RDII Guidelineshttps://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-defence-investment-initiative/eligibility.html

* Additional context: Building an agile innovation ecosystem: Lessons from the past, plans for the future linkhttps://uleth-my.sharepoint.com/personal/dena_mcmartin_uleth_ca/Documents/Strategic%20Opportunities/Defense%20&%20DualUse/%E2%80%A2%09https:/sciencepolicy.ca/posts/building-an-agile-innovation-ecosystem-lessons-from-the-past-plans-for-the-future/ (Dr Sandra Lapointe, MacMaster)

* Prairies Canada Western Innovation Forum: For consideration of those interested, PrairiesCan hosts Business to Business discussions about future economic development and partnerships linkhttps://uleth-my.sharepoint.com/personal/dena_mcmartin_uleth_ca/Documents/Strategic%20Opportunities/Defense%20&%20DualUse/%E2%80%A2%09https:/www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/support/industrial-technological-benefits/western-innovation-forum-2025.html

Next Steps: January 15 Workshop from 12-1:30pm We are hosting an internal engagement session to:

* Explore research themes and identify collaboration opportunities.

* Discuss vision for uLethbridge to serve as a regional hub for defence-related, dual-use, and partnered research, including creating bespoke space for industry and business partners, start-ups, and collaborating institutions.

* Connect with regional partners from Alberta Innovates, PrairiesCan, National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), and Economic Development Lethbridge

This workshop will also look at how we can leverage existing or incipient connections with CFB Suffield, partnerships with Royal Military College, the drone industry in Medicine Hat, and opportunities for joint projects that address defence priorities while benefiting regional innovation and capacity building.

If your research aligns - or you're curious - join us in January. Room information and agenda coming soon!

Best wishes, Dena