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 a 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 and 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 connects Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with Japanese corporations seeking dual-use and defence technologies. The goal is to help participants build strategic partnerships that can lead to collaborative research and development (R&D), proof-of-concept (PoC) projects and the co-development of innovative commercial solutions.

By participating, Canadian businesses can strengthen their innovation capacity, advance the commercialization of their technologies and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.

• 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
• NRC IRAP clients may receive funding support for travel (application required and space is limited)

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 communications technologies for remote areas, such as image enhancement, vision processing and digital forensics
• technologies for harsh environments, such as cold-weather applications
• remote power and energy systems
• analytics and intelligence, such as cybersecurity, asset health monitoring and infrastructure analytics

Review the SEECAT trade show guidebook for more information.

To apply, you must submit:

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

These items will allow judges to effectively review and verify your business and its products.

The CTA program is delivered in a hybrid format from August to December 2026. Participants receive tailored virtual support beginning in mid-August. In-person attendance at SEECAT and the signature event in Tokyo, Japan, from September 28 to October 2, 2026, is mandatory.

This CTA will bring together between 8 to 10 Canadian companies willing and able 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 on Japanese business culture and how to navigate corporate structures in the target sector
• market insights from industry experts, venture capital firms and corporate venture capital firms to help refine pitches for the Japanese market
• opportunities to pitch to potential buyers, investors and strategic partners
• tailored one-on-one mentoring sessions to help refine and validate market entry strategies and connect participants with local contacts
• targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking opportunities with potential partners, investors and clients to explore proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, research and development (R&D) collaborations and sales opportunities
• a signature event held between September 28 and October 2, 2026, anchored around SEECAT, featuring B2B meetings with selected leading Japanese corporations focused on dual-use and defence technologies