AI Challenge 2026

Sovereign Security & Dual Use

Canadian providers of artificial intelligence products and services are invited to participate in the AI Challenge: Sovereign Security & Dual Use, an initiative of ALL IN 2026 designed to showcase the most promising AI solutions addressing Canada’s strategic priorities.
AI Challenge Experience

AI Challenge: Sovereign Security & Dual Use

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, evolving global supply chains, growing pressure on critical infrastructure, and the need to strengthen economic and technological resilience, Canada must accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that support its security, competitiveness, and sovereignty.

The AI Challenge: Sovereign Security & Dual Use seeks to identify high-impact artificial intelligence technologies capable of addressing strategic needs in sectors where civilian and government applications intersect. Apply now for the opportunity to present your solution to leading experts, decision-makers, and strategic partners.

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Applications Close on July 24, 2026

Why Participate in the AI Challenge

Selected organizations will benefit from:

  • Two individual passes granting access to both days of ALL IN 2026
  • The opportunity to present their solution to experts, partners, and strategic decision-makers
  • Evaluation by a committee composed of industry experts, technology leaders, public-sector representatives, and researchers
  • Potential collaboration opportunities with Canadian and international organizations
  • Increased visibility among leaders of the Canadian and global AI ecosystem
  • Additional exposure through ALL IN promotional communications before, during, and after the event

Applications close on July 24, 2026

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Use Cases

Organizations operating in strategic sectors face growing challenges related to resilience, security, competitiveness, and the protection of critical assets.

In this context, artificial intelligence represents a powerful strategic tool for enhancing analysis, automation, anticipation, and decision-making capabilities.

Solutions may address one or more of the following areas:

  • Advanced cybersecurity and automated threat detection
  • Critical infrastructure protection
  • Supply chain resilience and optimization
  • Protection and management of strategic data assets
  • Monitoring, detection, and analysis of emerging risks
  • Real-time decision-support systems
  • Advanced manufacturing and strategic production
  • Intelligent logistics and operational optimization
  • Technologies supporting technological autonomy and digital sovereignty
  • Advanced analytics using multiple data sources
  • Risk management and organizational resilience
  • Dual-use technologies applicable in both civilian and government environments

Submitted proposals should demonstrate the relevance of the solution, its robustness, adaptability, and potential for deployment in real-world environments.

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Selection Criteria

AI Solution Criteria

  • Performance and robustness of the AI solution
  • Technology maturity level (proof of concept, pilot, or deployable solution)
  • Ease of integration into operational environments
  • Scalability and long-term sustainability
  • Compliance with security, privacy, and responsible AI standards

Business Model Criteria

  • Expected return on investment (ROI)
  • Potential for cost reduction and operational efficiency gains
  • Competitive differentiation
  • Ease of implementation and user adoption
  • Broader impact on the Canadian AI and defence ecosystem

Additional Criteria

  • Relevance of the solution in a sovereign security and dual-use context
  • Team expertise and experience
  • Quality and clarity of the submission
  • Potential for collaboration and large-scale deployment
Sovereign Security & Dual Use

AI Challenge: Timeline

July 24, 2026 - Proposal submission deadline

End of August 2026 - Announcement of selected organizations

September 16-17, 2026 - AI Challenge: Sovereign Security & Dual Use

Objectives and Requirements

To be eligible for this call for applications, submitted proposals must meet the following objectives:

  • Propose an AI solution or service addressing one or more of the identified use cases
  • Clearly define the challenge or problem being addressed
  • Describe the proposed solution and its key functionalities
  • Outline the expected qualitative and quantitative impacts
  • Demonstrate the relevance of the solution within a sovereign security or dual-use context
  • Present a reliable, secure, and scalable solution
  • Identify key risks and proposed mitigation measures
  • Include a mandatory pitch video of no more than two minutes
  • Be available to participate in evaluation, presentation, or demonstration activities organized as part of the challenge

Eligible organizations include:

  • Startups, SMEs, and large enterprises
  • Applied research and innovation centers
  • Consortia or partnerships between multiple organizations

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to develop, integrate, or deploy a technological solution. Organizations must be Canadian.

Solutions already tested in real or simulated environments will be considered an asset.

Submit my application