UBC Engineering projects receive $15.8 million investment from PacifiCan for dual-use research

Projects led by UBC Engineering researchers have received over $15.8 million in funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan announced on February 20, alongside the the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr. Adam Clare leads the UBC Asymmetric Last Line (ALL), which received an $8,758,918 investment. Once established, the ALL will act as a research accelerator to design, manufacture, test and deploy innovative defence and dual-use technologies. In particular, ALL will focus on power systems, aerospace materials and structures, computing and AI, marine technologies for harsh environments, sensors and instrumentation, and attritable defence assets. 

School of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Dr. Karen Cheung received $7,137,482 to develop a next-generation, field-deployable biosensing platform that combines laboratory-level precision with the portability of rapid tests, with applications in both defence preparedness and public health response. 

The investment highlights UBC Applied Science’s research excellence in impactful innovations with both defence and civilian applications. This leadership is reflected in the newly-established centre for Marine, Aerospace and Subsea Innovation (MASI) is Canada’s first Pacific–Arctic hub for research and innovation that supports national sovereignty, security and sustainable blue‑economy growth. 

The two projects are among one other UBC project and two SFU projects that received a total investment of over $40 million from PacifiCan as part of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. An additional $6 million was granted to BC organizations – including one based at UBC – that are providing training and guidance to help businesses enter defence supply chains. 

“UBC is grateful for PacifiCan’s support for research that strengthens Canada’s sovereignty and drives economic growth,” said UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon, who attended the announcement. “These investments will enhance research infrastructure and accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in critical areas including life sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum, as well as marine and aerospace technologies — helping UBC develop top talent and move discoveries from our labs into real-world impact.”