Japan Dual-use and Defence Tech Canadian Technology Accelerator

The Japan Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) will jointly host the Japan “Dual-use and Defence Technologies” co-innovation mission to Japan from September 28 to October 2, 2026.

This CTA is anchored around the SEECAT (Special Equipment Exhibition & Conference for Anti-Terrorism) '26.  SEECAT is the only business trade show in Japan dedicated to emerging technologies for public safety and security.

The event connects exhibitors with key public security stakeholders, including:

• police services
• fire departments
• the Japan Self-Defense Forces

SEECAT also attracts major Japanese corporations responsible for critical infrastructure operations in areas such as:

• transportation
• energy
• telecommunications
• crisis management at large or public facilities

 This partnering mission is designed to connect Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with Japanese corporations seeking to integrate dual-use and defence technologies.

The mission aims to support the development of:

• strategic partnerships
• collaborative research and development (R&D) opportunities
• proof of concept (PoC) projects
• co-innovation initiatives for commercial applications

Through this initiative, Canadian companies will be better positioned to strengthen their innovation capacity, commercialize their technologies, and become more competitive in global markets.

Upon acceptance, your business will benefit from:

• in-depth market briefings on doing business in Japan to better understand the culture, local market as well as import considerations
• access to key stakeholders from top-tier companies, investors and experts
• mentorship and advice on engaging with and pitching to key contacts in Japan
• workshop events with like-minded entrepreneurial organizations
• introductions to potential buyers, investors and strategic partners
• validation of your technology and its potential for success in Japan tailored strategic advice
• access to the post-CTA alumni programming in 2027 toward the regional outreach

We are seeking fast-growing, AI-based solutions for dual-use and defence technology including but not limited to:

• uncrewed systems, drones, and robotics
• surveillance and communication in remote areas:
  • enhanced image
  • vision processing
  • digital forensics
• harsh environment technologies (cold weather, for example)
• remote power amd energy systems
• predictive maintenance

For more information about the event, see the SEECAT trade show guidebook.

The CTA program will be delivered in hybrid format, and in-person participation to the SEECAT and the signature event in Tokyo (September 28 to October 2) is mandatory. This four-to-five-month program will offer tailored virtual support beginning in mid-August.

This CTA will bring together 8 to10 Canadian companies to participate in one-on-one meetings as well as group sessions. Failure to achieve a participation rate of 85% or higher will result in removal from the program.

The program will include:

• webinars and workshops providing insights on Japanese business culture and how to navigate Japan’s corporate structures in the sector of focus
• market insights from the panel of industry experts or venture capitals (VCs) /corporate VCs to brush-up pitch style to the Japanese market
• pitch opportunities to the potential buyers, investors and strategic partners
• tailored one-on-one mentoring sessions to help refine or validate your market entry strategy and support referrals to local contacts
• targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking opportunities with potential local partners, investors and clients with a view toward potential PoC, R&D collaboration or sales
• signature event taking place in the week of September 28 to October 2
  • The event is anchored around the SEECAT, and will include B2B meetings with selected top tier Japanese major corporations focused on dual-use and defence technologies.

Application

To allow judges to effectively review and verify your business and its products, applications must include:

• a clear and concise pitch deck (up to 7 minutes)
• a YouTube link and any relevant materials