- The collaborations integrate both universities into TKMS’s Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE).
- The focus is on advancing research and commercialization of technologies in marine systems, Arctic technologies, AI applications, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and related dual-use domains.
- The cooperation agreements aim to bring all parties together to support Canada's future submarine capabilities in the context of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Kiel, March 9, 2026 – TKMS signed Teaming Agreements with Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia for strategic collaboration in support of Canada’s submarine program.
Through these agreements, both universities will contribute their research strengths to TKMS’s Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE), a collaborative platform bringing together academia, industry, government, and other partners to accelerate maritime defence and dual-use innovation in Canada.
“We are delighted to welcome two more top-class Canadian universities, Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia, on board the CDDE. We see the pooling of our skills and knowledge as a decisive added value in translating innovative research into targeted operational solutions,” said Dr. Jeronimo Dzaack, Senior Vice President OceanX at TKMS.
At Dalhousie, the collaboration will build on established expertise in complex marine and Arctic environments, advanced manufacturing, and cyber security, while creating new opportunities for student engagement and applied research.
“Dalhousie is pleased to collaborate with TKMS and the ecosystem it is bringing together to drive innovation in oceans science, engineering, and digital technologies. We look forward to working in this partnership to translate research into knowledge, skills, and deployable solutions that advance Canadian innovation and sovereignty,” said Dr. Graham Gagnon, Vice President, Research and Innovation, Dalhousie University.
The agreement with UBC outlines a prospective Defence Innovation Hub framework to enable joint research projects, align academic expertise with industry priorities, and facilitate technology transfer and commercialization in key areas such as marine systems and AI-enabled solutions.
“UBC has a long history of building partnerships for purpose. Through this collaboration with TKMS, UBC’s identified research strengths could help build Canadian preparedness and resilience while also strengthening local and national economies,” said Dr. Gail Murphy, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, UBC. Dr. Vicky Bungay, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, UBC Applied Science, added: “This MOU with TKMS is an opportunity to scale the impact of forward-looking research in dual-use technologies within UBC Applied Science. This collaboration not only presents an opportunity to strengthen Canadian sovereignty, but also to discover and design technologies that can socially and economically benefit British Columbians and Canadians.”
Together, the parties are committed to strengthening Canada’s defence innovation base, supporting domestic suppliers and SMEs, and developing the skilled workforce required to sustain sovereign submarine capabilities for decades to come.
