Medicine Hat Innovators Network
Defence Research and Development
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The Medicine Hat region is fortunate to have within its borders  a world class research and development centre providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to create leading-edge technology businesses 
Canada's Defence Research and Development Program
Defence Research and Development Canada is an agency of the Government of Canada responsible for conducting a broad ranging program of research and  development to meet the needs of the Canadian Forces and to support the Canadian defence industrial base. This program resides within five regional Centres and a Headquarters unit in Ottawa.

Defence Research at Suffield, Alberta
Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield (DRDCS) is located at CFB Suffield some 30 Km north-west of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Its laboratories and extensive field facilities support programs in Chemical and Biological Defence and Military Engineering.

Associated Activities
Associated with DRDCS are the Canadian Centre for Mine Action Technology and the Counter-Terror Technology Centre.

How R&D is Conducted
The work of DRDCS is carried out through a combination of in-house scientific and technical personnel and contracted services. In addition to meeting the direct needs of the Canadian Forces, DRDCS itself engages in contacted work in support of allied defence forces and industries where such activity is complementary to its primary mission. 


Canada    Links
Department of National Defence
Canadian Forces Base Suffield
Defence Research and Development Canada-Suffield
Defence Research and Development Canada
Recent Accomplishments and News Items

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
The Defence Research and Development program therefor provides opportunities for technology entrepreneurs in the following areas:
  • contracted scientific and technological research studies
  • scientific and technical support services to in-house projects
  • operation and maintenance of specialized laboratory and field facilities in support of in-house and contracted-in projects
  • support services to other defence industrial contractors
  • development, marketing and production of specialized defence  equipment
  • development of civilian spin-off or dual-use technology
The development of major military sytem components ultimately must be carried out by firms having the requisite systems integration  experience and international defence marketing capabilities Nevertheless, smaller innovative firms can play an important role in early proof of concept studies and can become central partners with larger defence firms in later development and production.

How to Access DRDCS
Individuals and firms wishing to know more about these possibilities may contact DRDCS directly or the Coordinator of the Innovators Network who will assist you in making appropriate contacts.

Role of the Medicine Hat Innovators Network
The Medicine Hat Innovators Network offers its services to DRDCS as a non-profit entity able to coordinate, host and otherwise assist with liaison events and meeting between DRDCS and private sector entrepreneurs.