Where You Fit
We are preparing to launch our first cohort under the WarTech Venture Pipeline banner. There are four ways to be part of it.
Founders & researchers
Have a technology, an insight, or a DND/DRDC-aligned problem? Start with our one-day workshop, or ask about direct entry to Discovery if you're further along.
Tell us about your ideaMentors
Retired procurement officers, cleared engineers, defence founders, and export-control counsel are the backbone of every tier. Mentors with program access complete Enhanced Reliability screening or higher.
Offer to mentorBoard members
Our board brings together retired senior military leadership, a senior executive with a track record of selling into defence, a partner at an investment firm, and a global cybersecurity expert. As CDSI grows, we welcome interest from leaders with export-control, academic research, or defence procurement experience.
Discuss a board roleFunding & institutional partners
We are seeking anchor funding partners, government and corporate, and initial partnerships with the Defence Investment Agency, DND/DRDC, and Canadian universities.
Start a partnership conversationWhy Partner With CDSI
- A measurable outcome: 50 Canadian defence startups with paying customers in five years, tracked tier by tier.
- Defence-grade trust: Controlled Goods Program registration, screened staff and mentors, and CyberSecure Canada certification as a baseline.
- A two-sided mandate: We help founders sell, and we help DND and primes find and adopt from small Canadian suppliers.
- One accountable entity: Every formal commitment is made in the name of CDSI, with one board and one set of financials.