Partnership will connect complementary networks, expand opportunities for Canadian innovators, and support the development and adoption of new technologies.
Montreal, QC and Vancouver, BC: August 6, 2026 – With the objective of establishing a framework that enables seamless collaboration across complementary ecosystems, Strix and DIGITAL have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining a mutually beneficial partnership. Grounded in a shared commitment to accelerating innovation in Canada, the agreement defines good‑faith principles for cooperation and long-term alignment.
Under this MOU, both organizations will engage with each other’s networks and initiatives to strengthen connections between aerospace, defence, and digital technology stakeholders.
The agreement reflects a shared belief that Canada’s most complex aerospace, defence, and national security challenges require collaboration across sectors and innovation ecosystems. By building stronger connections, Strix and DIGITAL aim to advance emerging sustainable and dual-use technologies that support economic growth, national security, and sovereignty.
Advantages for Canada’s innovation ecosystem
Innovation thrives when organizations align around shared goals and leverage complementary strengths. By fostering closer collaboration between aerospace and digital innovation communities, this partnership aims to reduce fragmentation, improve access to capabilities, and create clearer pathways for organizations seeking to develop and deploy advanced technologies.
Strix and DIGITAL recognize many of the technologies shaping the future of aerospace and defence — such as artificial intelligence, data platforms, cybersecurity, and advanced software systems — are being developed and scaled across the broader digital economy. Cross-sector collaboration is therefore essential to connect domain expertise with digital capability, unlock new pathways for commercialization, and ensure Canadian innovators can build solutions that are both technically advanced and market-ready.
As an early example of the partnership in action, Strix is co-hosting an upcoming episode of DIGITAL’s Defence Market Access Series, a free, practical webinar series built to help Canadian innovators understand and navigate Canada’s defence market. The series provides SMEs, scale-, and founders with practical guidance on defence readiness, procurement, working with prime contractors, partnership development, and intellectual property protection.
“This Memorandum of Understanding with DIGITAL reflects our shared commitment to building stronger partnerships across sectors, unlocking the value of complementary networks, and making knowledge more accessible throughout Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we will explore the foundations of a secure and interoperable digital environment that enables collaboration, accelerates the adoption of made-in-Canada technologies, and supports Canada’s long-term growth and competitiveness.” – Denis Godin, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy CEO, Strix
“Canada has the talent and technology to help address our most pressing defence and national security needs. Through this partnership with Strix, we will connect complementary networks across aerospace, defence, and digital technology, opening new opportunities for Canadian innovators to form partnerships, access expertise and advance the development, commercialization and adoption of made-in-Canada technologies. Together, we will help Canadian companies grow, strengthen our sovereign capabilities, and deliver lasting economic and security benefits.” – Rhonda Barnet, Interim CEO, DIGITAL
About Strix
Strix is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting innovation and collaborative research in the Canadian aerospace industry and related sectors. We aim to position Canada as the global leader in aerospace and defence innovation by fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and access to resources — driving sustainable development and integration of technologies and platforms of the future.
About DIGITAL
DIGITAL is Canada’s commercialization partner. It connects technology builders and buyers to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of Canadian technology solutions.
Established in 2018 under the Government of Canada’s Cluster Initiative, DIGITAL brings together industry leaders, SMEs, and post-secondary institutions to collaborate on large-scale projects that drive innovation and the development of technology solutions in sectors critical to Canada, such as mining and energy, housing, workforce development and health.
Since inception, DIGITAL has delivered billions in projected revenue for Canadian companies, retained sovereign IP, launched hundreds of commercial products, and helped tens of thousands of Canadians gain the skills needed for the digital economy.
That’s how we grow Canada. For more information, visit: www.digitalsupercluster.ca.
Media contact
Julien Caudroit
Vice President, External Relations and Business Development, Strix
communication@strix.aero
Julia White
Senior Director, Communications, DIGITAL
media@digitalsupercluster.ca | 604.828.2766