This event is by invitation only.

If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Derek at derek@digitalnovascotia.com. Proceed to registration if you have received an access code.

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Digital Nova Scotia, the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), and Knowledge Park are excited to bring together executives, founders, entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and technology leaders for an executive-level discussion focused on defence, security, and dual-use innovation.

As Canada and its allies increase their focus on sovereign capability, critical infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, maritime security, and emerging technologies, Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canadian technology companies have an opportunity to explore how existing commercial capabilities can translate into defence and dual-use markets.

This Executive Lounge will create a space for meaningful dialogue, practical guidance, strategic networking, and candid insight sharing between local tech leaders and national innovation ecosystem partners.

We are excited to welcome special guests Patrick Searle (CEO @ CCI) and Josh Waite (CEO @ Knowledge Park) to discuss:

• What dual-use means for technology companies
• Policy, regulatory, and procurement considerations for the defence space
• Defence, security, and dual-use opportunities in Atlantic Canada and globally
• Common barriers for companies entering the defence market and how to overcome them

Hosted at Digital Nova Scotia’s main office in Halifax, this invite-only event will feature moderated conversations, executive roundtable discussions, and curated networking opportunities designed to help decision-makers understand practical first steps into the defence and dual-use ecosystem.

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Special guests for this event include:

Patrick Searle | CEO @ Council of Canadian Innovators

Patrick Searle is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), a national business association representing more than 175 of Canada’s fastest growing, technology-intensive companies. Since joining CCI in 2017, Patrick has been a driving force in transforming the organization from a tech-sector lobby group into a modern national business council. His leadership has expanded CCI’s mandate beyond traditional advocacy, building programming, services, and executive development initiatives that directly support Canada’s growth-stage companies. Patrick played a principal role in the development and expansion of CCI’s Innovation Governance Program, one of the country’s leading training platforms for current and aspiring board leaders in the innovation economy. He was also instrumental in elevating Canada’s CEO Summit into the premier annual gathering for the nation’s technology CEOs and ecosystem builders.

Josh Waite | CEO @ Knowledge Park

Josh is the CEO of Knowledge Park, New Brunswick’s largest technology park and a central force in shaping Fredericton’s innovation economy. He works across industry, academia, and government to strengthen the region’s capacity for growth by aligning infrastructure, talent, and investment around emerging opportunities. Drawing on extensive stakeholder engagement and strategic analysis, Josh is leading Knowledge Park into its next stage of development. This includes redefining its role as a platform for innovation, deepening collaboration across sectors, and positioning Fredericton as a competitive, globally connected hub for knowledge-based industries. His work is focused on translating regional strengths into sustained economic advantage, with an emphasis on ecosystem coordination, sector development, and long-term value creation. If you see Josh during the conference, he loves talking about strategy growth opportunities for the region.