Maritime Safety and Security Applications (dual-use) Germany and Finland Canadian Technology Accelerator

Looking to scale your maritime safety and security technologies into Europe? Join the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) in Germany and Finland.

The maritime safety and security subsector in Germany and other European countries, including Finland, is transforming in response to intensifying geopolitical tensions. Many European nations have been prompted to rapidly modernize their maritime defense capabilities due to:

• Russia’s continued aggression
• heightened activity in the Baltic and North Sea
• increased use of hybrid and cyber threats

This shifting landscape has created an urgent need for innovative, dual-use technologies that enhance maritime domain awareness, resilience, and rapid response, such as: 

• autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
• drones
• advanced radar
• lidar and sonar systems
• robust cybersecurity

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into surveillance and decision-making systems is also becoming critical to secure maritime borders and protect critical infrastructure.

These developments align with broader NATO strategic objectives, particularly the alliance's renewed focus on strengthening its northern and eastern flanks. The European Union (EU) is also significantly increasing investments in defense innovation and port security. This initiative will focus on making sure member states and allied partners like Canada can work together more effectively.

Canadian companies are uniquely positioned to address these challenges through cutting-edge technology and proven expertise. 

This CTA program is a joint initiative with the Embassy of Canada to Germany in Berlin, and the Embassy of Canada to Finland in Helsinki. The program will select a cohort of 6 to 8 Canadian companies to participate in business development activities focused on the German and Finnish maritime safety and security markets. 

The program is supported by key industry multipliers from Canada, Germany and Finland. 

Potential local partners and clients in Germany and Finland include:

• maritime and port authorities
• shipping and logistics leaders
• defense and security firms (OEMs)
• research and development institutions
• telecommunications and information technologies (IT) providers

This is a timely and strategically important opportunity for Canadian tech companies to engage directly with the evolving maritime security ecosystems in Germany and Finland and contribute to allied efforts in safeguarding shared waters.

Participants of this CTA program benefit from:

• market briefings on doing business in Germany and Finland
• access to potential pilot projects, partnerships, and long-term sales opportunities in Germany and Finland
• strategic guidance on entering the German and Finnish markets
• networking opportunities and connections and the opportunity to present to potential buyers, strategic partners, and possibly investors
• market intelligence and mentorship

Companies must be interested in expanding into the German and Finnish markets. We are looking for high-potential, scale-up stage companies with technologies (dual-use) in the following areas:

1. Autonomous underwater/ surface vehicles: Surveillance, inspection, and data collection.
2. Advanced radar, lidar, and sonar systems: These systems enhance the detection and tracking of vessels and underwater objects, improving situational awareness and response times.
3. Cybersecurity solutions: These are essential for protecting maritime infrastructure from cyber threats. They include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies.
4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): AI and ML are used to analyze vast amounts of data for threat detection and decision-making processes, improving the efficiency and accuracy of maritime security operations.

To participate, your company must have:

• a revenue-generating business with fully built and validated technology
• a passionate and committed team with market-entry goals for the German and Finnish markets
• sufficient resources to target and achieve growth in new markets and to fully commit to participate in the program

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) supports equity, diversity and inclusion in trade. We strongly encourage companies led by Canadians of all backgrounds to apply.

Program activities include:

• Virtual on-boarding: introductions to the CTA support team, program partners, and fellow cohort members
• Virtual needs assessment: analysis of the company’s status and knowledge base in the German and Finnish markets, as well as program goals 
• Virtual market briefings, mentor matchmaking, and mentorship sessions for the German and Finnish markets
• In-market program from May 19 to May 27, 2026, with curated business-to-business (B2B) and pitch sessions with relevant stakeholders in Germany and Finland

This non-equity program is at no cost to Canadian companies beyond any individual travel costs they incur. 

Learn more about this program by contacting: