BDC allocates $1 billion under its Defence Platform to strengthen Canada’s defence investment ecosystem

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire BDC allocates $1 billion under its Defence Platform to strengthen Canada's defence investment ecosystemAuthor of the article:MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the Canada Investment Summit 2026, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) announced how it will deploy $1 billion in investments under its existing $6 billion Defence Platform: $500 million across funds focused on defence and dual-use technologies, and an additional $200 million allocation to StrongNorth, bringing the fund from $300 million to $500 million.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThese allocations are part of BDC’s $6 billion Defence Platform, which provides Canadian defence and dual-use companies with financing, investment and advisory solutions to grow and compete globally. Today’s announcements clarify how BDC will deploy capital using both direct investments in companies and indirect investments via funds supporting strategically important technologies. The goal is clear: help attract more private capital into the sector.“Canadian entrepreneurs are developing technologies that are increasingly important to Canada’s security, resilience and economic growth. With its Defence Platform, BDC is using its capital and expertise to help these companies innovate, scale and reach new markets, while helping build a stronger investment ecosystem for Canada’s defence and dual-use sector.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again– Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO, BDC“Canada’s defence companies are developing the technologies that strengthen our economic security and support our Armed Forces and allies in an increasingly complex world. Through BDC’s $1 billion investment, we are attracting private capital, helping Canadian firms scale and compete globally, and reinforcing Canada’s long-term economic sovereignty and resilience.”– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions“Canada’s security and prosperity depend on our ability to build more of what we need here at home. That means strengthening our defence industrial base, backing Canadian innovation and giving our companies the ability to scale. By mobilizing more private capital into the sector, we are turning Canadian innovation into defence capability, strengthening our sovereign capacity and ensuring our Armed Forces have what they need to defend Canada.”– The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National DefenceThe Defence Fund will deploy $500 million under BDC’s Defence Platform in venture capital, growth equity and private equity funds focused on defence and dual-use technologies. It is another tool to help mobilize private capital at scale, consistent with BDC’s long-term approach of leveraging its balance sheet to crowd in more ecosystem investors. It will invest in Canadian and allied-nation funds with strong Canadian exposure, helping improve access to investment for companies developing strategically important technologies while strengthening Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem.The first investment is in Intrepid Growth Partners’ inaugural US$525 million fund, which invests in high-growth artificial intelligence companies across Canada, the UK, the US and Europe.BDC’s areas of focus will include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space, advanced materials, quantum technologies and energy systems, aligned with Canada’s defence and sovereignty priorities.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.BDC is also allocating an additional $200 million to StrongNorth, bringing the fund from $300 million to $500 million under the Defence Platform. This will allow the fund to continue meeting demand from Canadian defence and dual-use companies. Areas of focus include AI, autonomy, cyber, secure communications, space, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), advanced materials and energy.StrongNorth is BDC’s venture capital fund dedicated to early-stage companies developing deep technologies with defence-focused or dual-use applications or strategies. By making direct investments, the fund helps Canadian companies bring critical technologies to market, grow faster and strengthen Canada’s security and economic future.About BDC, Canada’s bank for small- and medium-sized business ownersBDC focuses on small- and medium-sized business owners, providing them financing, investment, and advice. As Canada’s development bank, we also support entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold working with a network of partners and help develop underserved markets to unlock economic potential. Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that drive Canada’s economic growth. BDC is a perennial Canada’s Top 100 Employer and B Corp certified. Learn more at bdc.ca or connect with us on social media. Media contact mediainfo@bdc.ca 1 844 625-8321 Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.