.jpg)
3 hours ago
12
Article content
BDC invests in semiconductor company Irréversible and aerospace company Canada Rocket Company and becomes first partner of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)’s global Defence program
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe 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 ARTICLES
Subscribe 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 ARTICLES
Create 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 account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BDC is announcing the first two investments in Canadian dual-use innovators, following the launch of its Defence Platform in December:
Article content
Article content
- Irréversible (QC) – A semiconductor startup developing AI chips for next-generation computing. BDC participated in Irréversible’s pre-seed round, led by Quantacet with participation from Frostbite Capital and Tofino Capital. The company has already secured a $1M IDEaS grant from the Department of National Defence.
- Canada Rocket Company (ON) – A space-tech venture building rockets to deploy satellites into orbit. BDC co-led a $6.2M CAD seed round with Garage Capital, joined by four other investors.
Article content
Article content
BDC is also joining forces with Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) to accelerate defence innovation, becoming the first partner of CDL’s global Defence program.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
The CDL Defence program is designed for early-stage companies developing dual-use technologies that directly address operational needs in defence, national security, and critical infrastructure protection.
Article content
Its purpose is to connect early-stage ventures with mentors, investors, and procurement experts to accelerate commercialization. It is run in partnership with 6 CDL sites across Canada and Europe, with additional partners to follow. The inaugural program year will conclude in May 2026, with applications for the next cohort opening in April 2026.
Article content
This association is built on the long-standing relationships between BDC and CDL and reflects BDC’s commitment to supporting Canadian innovation and entrepreneurs. In addition to the Defence Stream, BDC will also collaborate with CDL’s Climate and Critical Minerals streams, reinforcing its role in advancing technologies important to Canada’s future.
Article content
Article content
Through these initiatives, BDC continues to champion Canadian entrepreneurs driving innovation in defence, climate, and critical minerals—key sectors for Canada’s economic resilience and security.
Article content
Article content
“BDC is deepening its support for Canada’s defence sector at a pivotal time. As needs evolve, we’re moving quickly – investing in innovators like Irréversible and Canadian Rocket Company and partnering with CDL’s Defence Stream. Our goal is clear: help Canadian companies scale, commercialize faster, and seize new opportunities in defence, security, and critical industries and technologies. We’re bringing the expertise, networks, and capital needed to strengthen Canada’s resilience and national security,” said Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC.
Article content
“Modern defence and security systems increasingly depend on the ability to deploy intelligence in environments where power, size, and reliability are critical constraints. Irréversible’s focus on ultra-low-power intelligence directly addresses these challenges and strengthens Canada’s domestic capabilities in areas that are increasingly important for national security,” said Andrew Fursman, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Irréversible.
English (US)