Ottawa Wins Bid for 2026 International Cybersecurity and Defence Conference, INCYBER Forum Canada

INCYBER Forum Canada 2026: A Major Cybersecurity and AI Safety Event in Ottawa-Gatineau

The INCYBER Forum Canada, an esteemed international conference focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence safety, is set to take place from December 1–3, 2026, at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa, with preliminary events planned in Gatineau. This event marks the first time the forum will be hosted in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and is anticipated to attract over 3,000 participants, including 150 exhibitors and 200 speakers, with expected economic benefits amounting to approximately $5.4 million for the region.

The announcement for the forum’s location was made by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, and Daniel Blanc, Director General of INCYBER Forum Canada. The introduction of the event to this capital area underscores its growing significance in defence, security, and trusted AI sectors.

The INCYBER Forum concept originated in Europe, evolving over more than a decade into a leading platform for discussions on cybersecurity and digital trust. With successful Canadian events held in Montreal in previous years, the decision to shift to Ottawa-Gatineau in 2026 emphasizes the forum’s expansion and the capital's increased prominence as a hub for international dialogue regarding cybersecurity, defence, innovation, and public policy.

The forum is expected to gather cybersecurity experts, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and international partners from Canada and beyond. Attendees will explore critical issues such as emerging threats, digital trust, and the technological advancements shaping global cyber resilience.

The Ottawa-Gatineau region serves as a vital center for Canada’s defence, security, and cyber ecosystem, featuring a conglomeration of federal departments, defence and intelligence organizations, and academic institutions. The area is noteworthy for its network of tech companies specializing in cybersecurity, AI, communications, and critical infrastructure protection. Specifically, it houses four NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) test centers and boasts 330 companies in defense and aerospace, alongside 1,800 tech firms in total and a workforce of 96,000 skilled tech professionals—an accomplishment that highlights the region’s leading position in North America concerning tech talent.

Hosting the INCYBER Forum provides an exceptional platform to showcase Canadian innovations in cybersecurity and to connect with partners globally. It serves not only as a venue for discussing pressing cybersecurity issues but also as an opportunity to foster international collaboration and expand Canada’s influence in the global cyber landscape.

Moreover, this announcement coincides with the anticipated federal decision regarding the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), further cementing Ottawa-Gatineau’s emerging role in the defence and security sectors.

For additional insights into Ottawa’s innovation and defence ecosystem, interested parties can visit dihub.ca, which offers detailed information on the region's advancements and opportunities in these pivotal fields.

In summary, the INCYBER Forum Canada 2026 will be a significant event, drawing key stakeholders to discuss challenges and enhancements in cybersecurity and AI, reinforcing Ottawa-Gatineau’s status as a vital player in the global cyber defence arena.