InnovaConnect @ La Cité 2026 : le forum annuel de la recherche appliquée et de l'innovation dans la région de la capitale fédérale
Pendant trois jours, l'événement bilingue réunira près de 200 chercheur.se.s, des étudiant.e.s, des représentant.e.s des gouvernements, des organismes subventionnaires, des centres de recherche appliquée, des entreprises et des organisations de développement économique.
Favoriser, Financer, Protéger, Sécuriser, Commercialiser et Exporter l'innovation
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InnovaConnect @ La Cité 2026: the annual forum for
applied research and innovation in the federal capital region
For three days, the bilingual event will bring together nearly 200 researchers, students,
representatives from governments, funding agencies, applied research centres,
businesses, and economic development organizations.
Fostering, Funding, Protecting, Securing, Commercializing, and Exporting Innovation
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
11:30 A.M.
STUDIO
Welcome and opening remarks
12:00 P.M.
LUNCHEON CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Farah Alibay
The perseverance of an explorer
Through her journey in space engineering, Farah Alibay shares the challenges, failures, and successes that have marked her career. An inspiring conference on perseverance, curiosity, leadership and the importance of believing in one's potential to innovate and push the boundaries of exploration.
1:30 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
1:45 P.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A1 | FOYER
Financing Innovation Part 1: Unlocking Private Capital for SMEs
From angel investors to venture capitalists to bankers, Canadian experts discuss the critical role of private financing in accelerating innovation. The panel explores the levers that enable businesses to grow, attract investment and strengthen Canada's competitiveness.
Moderator:
Sharon Irwin
NorthGuide
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B1 | AGORA
1:45 P.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B1 | AGORA
Supporting Canadian Innovation: Public Funding for Applied Research Centers
This discussion presents the main funding mechanisms for applied research centers offered by public agencies and specialized networks. Panelists explain how these programs support partnerships between educational institutions, researchers, and businesses to drive innovation.
Moderator:
Nathalie Méthot
Collège La Cité
2:45 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
3:00 P.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A2 | FOYER
Financing Innovation Part 2: Public Funding Programs for SMEs
Representatives of key government programs explain how businesses can access financial resources for innovation, modernization and growth. The exchanges highlight the tools available to improve productivity, accelerate technological development and support Canadian competitiveness.
Moderator:
To be confirmed
3:00 P.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B2 | AGORA
Developing Tomorrow’s Talents Through Applied Research
This panel examines how applied research contributes to the development of a skilled research and innovation workforce. Speakers present initiatives that bring educational institutions, businesses and students together to develop in-demand skills and better meet labour market needs.
Moderator:
Michael McDonald
Colleges & Institutes Canada
4:00 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
4:10 P.M.
STUDIO
Catherine Beaudry
Data-driven ''global'' orchestration of innovation ecosystems – A measurement framework to improve innovation performance
The presentation will address how to codesign and validate best practices in innovation, tools for coordinating innovation ecosystems (IE), and innovation policies with measurable objectives. It will explore the need to co-develop and use appropriate indicators of collaboration, innovation and impact at multiple levels (micro: organisation; meso: educational institution; and macro: government).
5:00 P.M.
END OF THE DAY
1:45 P.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B4 | AGORA
Research Security: Protecting Canada's Strategic Interests in a Changing World
Dr. Eleanor Vance
In the face of evolving geopolitical risks, experts discuss best practices for protecting research data, knowledge, and collaborations. The panel addresses issues of national security, risk management and the protection of Canada's strategic assets.
Moderator:
To be confirmed
1:45 P.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A4 | FOYER
From Research to Market: Keys to Commercialization
Dr. Eleanor Vance
Stakeholders present the essential steps to transform research results into products, services and business opportunities. The panel addresses commercialization strategies, defense procurement, industry partnerships and success factors to maximize domestic and international economic benefits.
Moderator:
Marc-Antoine Benglia
InnovaCité | La Cité
11:45 A.M.
LUNCH
11:00 A.M.
PANEL B1
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B3 | AGORA
Dual-Use Readiness Assessment for Research Centers
Dr. Eleanor Vance
eCampusOntario will present a structured approach to assessing research centers’ readiness to identify, develop, and advance dual-use technologies. The framework examines key areas including technological maturity, civilian and defense applications, intellectual property, partnerships, and governance. Its goal is to help organizations better position their innovations, foster strategic collaborations, and accelerate the responsible transfer of technologies from research to market.
Moderator:
Cyriele Kiening
eCampus Ontario
11:00 A.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A3 | FOYER
Protecting Canadian Innovation: Securing Intellectual Property
Intellectual property experts explain why protecting innovations is essential to their commercialization. Discussions focus on technology transfer strategies and best practices for companies and researchers to turn their ideas into sustainable competitive advantages.
Moderator:
Chris Webb
Logikos Consulting
10:45 A.M.
COFFEE BREAK
9:30 A.M.
BREAKFAST CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Sylvain Charbonneau
Accelerating Business Innovation through CFI-Funded Research Infrastructure
Synthesizing insights from the day to forge a global network of conference hubs.
Farah Alibay
CFI-funded research infrastructure gives Canadian companies strategic access to state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialized expertise that are often beyond their financial reach. By collaborating with universities, colleges, research hospitals and centres, companies can pursue innovative projects through shared-cost models, even when returns on investment remain uncertain. This underrecognized lever offers Canadian industry an important competitive advantage and strengthens the broader innovation ecosystem.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Dr. Eleanor Vance
9:30 A.M.
BREAKFAST CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Sylvain Charbonneau
Accelerating Business Innovation through CFI-Funded Research Infrastructure
CFI-funded research infrastructure gives Canadian companies strategic access to state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialized expertise that are often beyond their financial reach. By collaborating with universities, colleges, research hospitals and centres, companies can pursue innovative projects through shared-cost models, even when returns on investment remain uncertain. This underrecognized lever offers Canadian industry an important competitive advantage and strengthens the broader innovation ecosystem.
10:45 A.M.
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 A.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A3 | FOYER
Protecting Canadian Innovation: Securing Intellectual Property
Intellectual property experts explain why protecting innovations is essential to their commercialization. Discussions focus on technology transfer strategies and best practices for companies and researchers to turn their ideas into sustainable competitive advantages.
Moderator:
Chris Webb
Logikos Consulting
PANEL B1
Dr. Eleanor Vance
11:00 A.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B3 | AGORA
Dual-Use Readiness Assessment for Research Centers
eCampusOntario will present a structured approach to assessing research centers’ readiness to identify, develop, and advance dual-use technologies. The framework examines key areas including technological maturity, civilian and defense applications, intellectual property, partnerships, and governance. Its goal is to help organizations better position their innovations, foster strategic collaborations, and accelerate the responsible transfer of technologies from research to market.
Moderator:
Cyriele Kiening
eCampus Ontario
11:45 A.M.
LUNCH
12:00 P.M.
LUNCHEON CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Pierre Lavoie
Health Inc.
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Pierre Lavoie presents a reflection on the links between health, lifestyle, leadership and collective performance. His conference invites participants to rethink well-being as an essential lever for innovation, mobilization and sustainable development of organizations.
1:30 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
Dr. Eleanor Vance
1:45 P.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A4 | FOYER
From Research to Market: Keys to Commercialization
Stakeholders present the essential steps to transform research results into products, services and business opportunities. The panel addresses commercialization strategies, defense procurement, industry partnerships and success factors to maximize domestic and international economic benefits.
Moderator:
Marc-Antoine Benglia
InnovaCité | La Cité
Dr. Eleanor Vance
1:45 P.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B4 | AGORA
Research Security: Protecting Canada's Strategic Interests in a Changing World
In the face of evolving geopolitical risks, experts discuss best practices for protecting research data, knowledge, and collaborations. The panel addresses issues of national security, risk management and the protection of Canada's strategic assets.
Moderator:
To be confirmed
2:45 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
3:00 P.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A5 | FOYER
AI and Cybersecurity: The New Drivers of Applied Innovation
This panel explores the concrete applications of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in organizations. Experts discuss the opportunities, challenges and collaborations needed to develop innovative, safe solutions tailored to the needs of Canadian businesses.
Moderator:
Melissa Judd
Vector Institute
3:00 P.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B5 | AGORA
Strengthening Canada’s Defense Innovation: The Role of Applied Research Centres
Applied research centers present their contribution to the development of technologies that meet the needs of the defense sector. The exchanges showcase collaborations with industry, academic institutions and government partners to strengthen Canadian defense innovation.
Moderator:
Marc Nantel
Niagara College (retired)
4:00 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
4:10 P.M.
FIRESIDE CHAT | STUDIO
The role of post-secondary institutions in positioning Ottawa as a center of excellence in defense
Leaders from key post-secondary institutions in the Ottawa-Gatineau region discuss their contribution to the development of a defense innovation ecosystem. The panel focuses on research, training, partnerships and initiatives that strengthen the strategic positioning of the Greater Federal Capital Region.
Moderator:
Sonya Shorey
Invest Ottawa
5:00 P.M.
STUDIO
Networking cocktail
2:45 P.M.
COFFEE BREAK
11:45 A.M.
LUNCH
11:00 A.M.
PANEL B1
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B6 | AGORA
From Research Lab to Global Markets: The RiseHop Success Story
Dr. Eleanor Vance
Using the example of RiseHop, the speakers illustrate how applied research centres promote regional economic development. The discussions highlight the benefits of collaborations between companies, educational institutions and partners in the innovation ecosystem.
Moderator:
Nathalie Méthot
Collège La Cité
11:00 A.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A6 | FOYER
Accelerating Innovation: The Power of Applied Research Centers
Representatives of research centers present their infrastructures, their expertise and the services offered to companies. The panel demonstrates how these resources facilitate technological development, experimentation, prototyping and the realization of innovative projects.
Moderator:
To be confirmed
10:45 A.M.
COFFEE BREAK
9:30 A.M.
BREAKFAST CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Bernie Derible
Innovation, Resilience and Growth: Positioning Canada for the Future
Synthesizing insights from the day to forge a global network of conference hubs.
Farah Alibay
As global economic and security dynamics continue to evolve, innovation has become a critical driver of resilience, competitiveness, and growth. This presentation will explore opportunities emerging from Canada's defence industrial landscape, the importance of commercialization and exports, and how innovation ecosystems can help position Canadian organizations for long-term success.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Dr. Eleanor Vance
9:30 A.M.
BREAKFAST CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Bernie Derible
Innovation, Resilience and Growth: Positioning Canada for the Future
As global economic and security dynamics continue to evolve, innovation has become a critical driver of resilience, competitiveness, and growth. This presentation will explore opportunities emerging from Canada's defence industrial landscape, the importance of commercialization and exports, and how innovation ecosystems can help position Canadian organizations for long-term success.
10:45 A.M.
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 A.M.
ENTERPRISE TRACK - PANEL A6 | FOYER
Accelerating Innovation: The Power of Applied Research Centers
Representatives of research centers present their infrastructures, their expertise and the services offered to companies. The panel demonstrates how these resources facilitate technological development, experimentation, prototyping and the realization of innovative projects.
Moderator:
To be confirmed
PANEL B1
Dr. Eleanor Vance
11:00 A.M.
ECOSYSTEM TRACK - PANEL B6 | AGORA
From Research Lab to Global Markets: The RiseHop Success Story
Using the example of RiseHop, the speakers illustrate how applied research centres promote regional economic development. The discussions highlight the benefits of collaborations between companies, educational institutions and partners in the innovation ecosystem.
Moderator:
Nathalie Méthot
Collège La Cité
11:45 A.M.
LUNCH
Thursday, November 5, 2026
12:00 P.M.
LUNCHEON CONFERENCE | STUDIO
Kathryn Hume
Towards Sovereign Open-Source AI
Sovereign AI goes far beyond infrastructure and data hosted in Canada. This talk presents a vision for sovereign, open-source AI, where value lies as much in the models as in the tools, context, and systems built around them. It explores the trade-offs between cost, performance, and security, as well as the essential roles of government, industry, and academia in building a sustainable Canadian AI capability.
1:30 P.M.
FIRESIDE CHAT | STUDIO
InnovaConnect @ La Cité 2026: assessment and outlook for innovation
This closing conversation looks back at the key learnings from the summit, the key ideas and opportunities for collaboration highlighted during the three days. The facilitators offer a forward-looking reflection and invite participants to continue exchanges and partnerships.
Marc-Antoine Benglia
InnovaCité | La Cité
Dan Herman
NorthGuide
Catherine Beaudry
Polytechnique Montréal
2:30 P.M.
END OF THE EVENT
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