GCXpo 2025 Highlights Unprecedented Growth at a Pivotal Moment for Canadian Defence, Dual-Use Technologies, and AgriTech Innovations

GCXpo 2025, held on September 23–24, at Canada’s Capital, showcased over 90 pioneering companies and attracted more than 1,500 participants, including innovators, investors, and stakeholders, marking Canada’s premier emerging and dual-use technology event. The event emphasized innovation across diverse sectors, such as defense, public safety, security, aerospace, smart mobility, agritech, and telecommunications.

The inaugural preview night set the stage for a dynamic program where innovators not only displayed their technologies but also connected with potential customers, partners, and investors to explore new opportunities and collaborations. Co-hosted by Area X.O, Invest Ottawa, and several government departments, GCXpo by design champions collaboration between the public and private sectors, playing a critical role in propelling Canadian innovations to market.

Building on support from the City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada alongside various sponsor contributions, GCXpo underscores its mission to accelerate the journey of bold Canadian innovators toward commercialization. Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, highlighted that the synergy between the event and Canada’s innovation ecosystems demonstrates the country’s commitment to thriving in a global technological landscape.

The program featured multiple zones tailored for different sectors, including the Communitech EY Zone, the Innovation Farm Zone, and the Smart City Zone. Each zone created a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit how Canadian technology can transform the future. A keynote by Chris Pogue of Calian emphasized the significance of innovation in national security and economic resilience.

The Rogers Smart City Corridor showcased advanced discussions on the role of collaborative R&D in enhancing transportation safety. Similarly, the Innovation Farm Zone focused on sustainable food systems and integrating technology within agriculture, emphasizing FCC’s commitment to advancing data-driven farming.

Prominently, the Communitech EY Defence Zone showcased advancements in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. The area highlighted Canada’s growing innovation in defense technologies, underlining the importance of such innovations in bolstering national security and creating economic opportunities. AirShare presented its unique non-lethal drone interceptors as an embodiment of Canadian innovation—efficient and ethically designed.

Overall, GCXpo facilitated direct dialogues between innovators and government leaders regarding future procurement and innovation pathways, emphasizing that collaboration between multiple stakeholders is essential for feeling economic and security challenges.

As a platform that transcends simple showcasing, GCXpo acts as a catalyst for networking, partnerships, and the cross-pollination of ideas, reinforcing Canada’s role in the international innovation landscape. The partnerships formed during this event were stated to play a crucial role in developing and implementing innovative solutions that safeguard Canadian interests and enhance the country's global technological leadership.

The event ultimately highlighted the need for a unified approach toward nurturing innovation in Canada. The concluding sentiments from attendees, including leaders from various sectors, reiterated that to navigate the future successfully, a collective strategy involving government, innovators, and investors is paramount. GCXpo ultimately illustrates the potential when dedication and collaboration converge to build a resilient, sovereign future for Canada and beyond.