Centre for applied research in defence and dual-use technologies (cardd-tech): industry-led defence and dual-use technology research
CARDD-Tech is an industry-led research centre within the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering that advances defence and dual-use technologies through collaborative research, development, testing and evaluation with industry, government, and end-users.
Overview
The Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-use Technologies (CARDD-Tech) advances technology readiness for industry in Canada, integrating multidisciplinary expertise and collaborating with industry and government partners to develop components, systems, and solutions that strengthen national security. It operates on a triple-helix partnership model integrating industry, academia, government, and end-users such as the Canadian Armed Forces, delivering collaborative research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E). The centre is structured to collaborate with prime contractors, Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses, and original equipment manufacturers, and reports over $20 million in projects in development. The University of Alberta is home to one of Canada's designated NATO DIANA Test Centres.
Research focus areas
- Advanced materials and manufacturing (additive, subtractive, and hybrid methods for high-performance, corrosion-resistant, shock-tolerant components)
- Communications, sensing, and navigation (RF, optical, and inertial systems; multimodal and multispectral sensing)
- Cyber/AI (machine learning, reinforcement learning, adversarial AI, secure architectures)
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Space and hypersonics (hypersonic aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal protection, orbital dynamics)
- Quantum (sensors, secure communication, quantum computing)
- Energy and environment (clean energy, energy storage, microgrids, waste-to-energy)
Membership & engagement
CARDD-Tech provides access to research facilities and technical expertise and builds high-impact research collaborations with prime contractors, SMEs, and OEMs, alongside student training and Indigenous engagement initiatives.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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