Korea Defence and Dual-Use Technology Canadian Technology Accelerator – Special Edition

The Korea Defence and Dual-Use Technology Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) will help Canadian innovators connect with one of the world's most advanced defence manufacturing ecosystems and a growing defence innovation hub.

 Through this hybrid program, up to six Canadian companies will receive virtual market guidance, mentorship and tailored introductions, followed by in-person meetings in Seoul with Korean defence and dual-use companies and public institutions.

The program provides a structured pathway to connect with Korean industry, research institutions and government stakeholders, with support from the Trade Commissioner Service’s innovation and defence teams in Seoul.

The goal is to help participating companies create strategic relationships that may lead to:

• joint research and development (R&D) projects
• proof-of-concept (PoC) and technology validation opportunities
• co-development and commercialization opportunities across defence and civilian applications
• opportunities to explore integration into Korean and global defence supply chains
• partnerships that may support commercialization and international market development

Korea has emerged as a major global defence and advanced technology partner, combining world-class manufacturing capabilities with significant investments in defence modernization and innovation. The country's defence ecosystem brings together globally recognized prime contractors, research institutes, technology developers, and advanced industrial partners. This creates opportunities for Canadian companies developing innovative dual-use technologies.

 Korean organizations are increasingly working with international partners to access innovative technologies, accelerate capability development and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets. This creates opportunities for Canadian companies with specialized technologies and expertise to explore collaboration in areas ranging from research and development (R&D) and technology validation to commercialization and supply chain opportunities.

Through this CTA, participants will engage with organizations interested in defence innovation, technology development and international collaboration. These connections will help participants better understand potential partnership and market opportunities in Korea.

Virtual sessions (December 2026 to February 2027) 

• Market briefings on Korea's defence and dual-use sector
• Workshops and a pitch clinic to tailor your value proposition to Korean partners
• Company-specific market intelligence on potential partners and entry pathways for your technology
• 1-on-1 mentorship and coaching to refine your market entry objectives

In-market program (late February 2027)

• Pre-arranged business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings with Korean defence and dual-use companies and public institutions
• Introductions to leading Korean defence companies, technology developers, research institutes, and government stakeholders
• Opportunities to showcase your technology to potential partners, investors, end-users, and system integrators
• Site visits to relevant Korean organizations
• Networking with Korean industry, government and research stakeholders 

We are seeking innovative Canadian companies developing dual-use technologies with applications in both defence and civilian markets. Priority areas are: 

• technologies for manned and unmanned vehicles, including subsystems and components
• defence-related digital technologies, such as sensors, communications and data-driven systems
• Companies whose technologies complement Korean defence and dual-use platforms and contribute to next-generation capabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Your company must have:

• a market-ready or near market-ready product with a clear dual-use application
• a differentiated technology or capability with potential relevance to Korean defence, security, industrial, or government stakeholders
• clear objectives for engagement with Korea, such as R&D collaboration, PoC projects, co-development or supply chain engagement
• the ability to commit to the full program, including the in-person component in Seoul
• an understanding of the export control requirements that may apply to your technology, such as those under Canada's Export Control List

• December 2026 to February 2027: Virtual sessions, including onboarding, briefings, workshops and one-on-one mentoring
• Late February 2027: 3-day in-market program in Seoul 
• March 2027: Follow-up support and next steps planning

In-person attendance in Seoul is mandatory. Travel, accommodation and other expenses associated with the in-person component are the responsibility of participating companies. You may qualify for financial support from the CanExport SMEs and CanExport Innovation programs to help cover your travel and accommodation costs.