UBC partners with TKMS on dual-use innovation ecosystem
A new partnership is accelerating impactful maritime and arctic research within the UBC Faculty of Applied Science. UBC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TKMS, a German provider of integrated system solutions in maritime defense technology. The collaboration will provide a platform for dual-use research, technologies and innovations that have both national security and civilian applications.
TKMS is one of two qualified suppliers identified for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, established to develop a new submarine fleet deployable in the arctic.
UBC joins Western University and Dalhousie University as a core academic partner in the Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE). Established by TKMS in early 2026, the CDDE combines cutting-edge university research with local businesses and strategic industrial partnerships with Germany and Norway to accelerate commercial applications of defence and dual‑use 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.
“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,” said Dr. Vicky Bungay, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, UBC Applied Science. “We look forward to being significant contributors to the innovative partnerships enabled by the CDDE.”
Research excellence amplified
As the federal government looks to build Canadian resilience and establish new international economic partners, impactful research that advances both societal and national security goals is increasingly important. UBC Applied Science researchers are leaders in key interdisciplinary areas with strategic applications.
Research into marine systems, AI applications, cleantech and advanced manufacturing are of particular focus within the partnership with TKMS. This collaboration enhances the capabilities already established by the centre for Marine, Aerospace and Subsea Innovation (MASI), a hub for integrated research, innovation and training in sovereignty, security, sustainable blue‑economy growth and other dual-use technologies.
MASI connects major industry partners, small and medium‑sized enterprises, universities, and coastal and Indigenous communities across Canada to co‑develop technologies and talent for next‑generation fleets, infrastructure and critical systems. UBC is also the only Canadian institution approved by the Royal Canadian Navy for officer training in naval architecture and marine engineering.
The MOU with TKMS and involvement with the CDDE is part of UBC Applied Science’s commitment to cultivating a research and leadership pipeline that will grow a skilled workforce to support Canada’s priorities in resilience and sovereignty and accelerate the development of commercial applications of dual-use innovations.
