Des Nedhe Group Defence and University of Alberta Collaborate on Defence Innovation and Capability Development

Calgary, AB. – March 25, 2026

Des Nedhe Group Defence has entered a partnership with the University of Alberta.

This collaboration aligns with major CAF programs including NORAD modernization priorities and work associated with the Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM) program.

Under the agreement, the partners will advance research, technology development, workforce training, and commercialization, creating a direct pathway from intellectual property to deployment. The work is focused on moving defence, security, and monitoring technologies out of research environments and into application.

The model is designed to scale, bringing in additional institutions and First Nation partners across Alberta and Saskatchewan to create a united Prairie front.

The collaboration also supports increased Indigenous participation and ownership in technology development and innovation, with Des Nedhe Group Defence leading efforts to connect commercialization, workforce opportunities, and long-term economic outcomes for Indigenous communities.

“We’ve always worked in partnership, with other Nations, academic institutions, and strategic partners. That’s how we get things done. This work builds on that approach, bringing the right people together to move capability forward and create impact where it matters most.”
– Sean Willy, President, Des Nedhe Group

“Des Nedhe Group Defence is built to deliver Indigenous-led capability for the Canadian Armed Forces. This includes moving innovative systems out of the lab and into practice. When you align capital, expertise, and the right partners, this work can move quickly from research into application and deliver meaningful results for Canada.”
– Grant Oliver, Vice-President, Operations, Des Nedhe Group Defence

“This collaboration brings together the expertise needed to address Canada’s defence and Arctic challenges in a meaningful way. By working alongside Indigenous partners like Des Nedhe Group, we are advancing research to develop technologies that support long-term economic and social benefits at every level from community to regional and national.”
- Aminah Robinson Fayek, U of A Vice-President, Research.