For Immediate Release

December 17, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – One of Canada’s most influential technology leaders has issued a powerful endorsement in support of Ottawa as the future headquarters of the new Defence Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB).

In a newly released video message, Sir Terry Matthews, globally recognized tech founder and long-time champion of Canada’s Capital Region, states clearly and directly that the DSRB belongs in Ottawa.

Drawing on more than five decades of building and scaling over 100 global technology companies from Ottawa, Sir Terry reflects on the region’s unparalleled strength in secure communications, defence innovation, and global market leadership. His conclusion is immediate and unequivocal.

 “If the goal is to strengthen Canada’s national security and to grow defence technology, Ottawa is the right choice for the Defence Bank.” –  Sir Terry Matthews

Sir Terry notes that Ottawa is home to Canada’s largest tech park and hundreds of globally oriented technology companies. He highlights that few regions can match the concentration of firms, talent, and capabilities found in the Capital Region, nor the long-standing legacy of developing mission-critical technologies for national and allied partners.

He also emphasizes Ottawa’s unique role as the centre of the federal government and the diplomatic community. With national departments, defence institutions, regulatory bodies, embassies, trade partners, and research labs all located within the region, Ottawa offers the most complete environment to support a national institution focused on resilience, security, and defence technology growth.

Sir Terry concludes with a clear statement that connects Ottawa’s strengths to Canada’s national priorities.

Watch the video here

Ottawa’s Defence and Security Advantage

Ottawa has long been regarded as the country’s epicentre for secure technology development and mission-critical innovation. The region includes more than 190 defence, security, and cybersecurity companies and over 1,750 knowledge-based firms working in advanced sensing, secure networks, AI, robotics, quantum technology, and autonomous systems.

As Canada’s Capital Region, Ottawa also brings together:

• More than 330 defence and security firms
• Four NATO DIANA Test Centres, including Area X.O
• 65+ federal research labs focused on national security, safety, and advanced communications
• National agencies responsible for defence, intelligence, public safety, and regulation, including the Department of National Defence Headquarters
• One of the most skilled technology workforces in North America, and the highest tech talent concentration
• Area X.O, Canada’s advanced all-weather R&D complex supporting next-generation mobility, autonomy, sensing, and defence-aligned technologies

Together, these assets provide the secure infrastructure, expertise, and national proximity required to support the launch and long-term success of the DSRB.

A Strategic Opportunity for Canada

Similar in structure to the World Bank Group, the proposed DSRB would pool sovereign capital from member nations, leverage it up to 25 times, and channel billions of dollars into the development and deployment of dual-use technologies that bolster global stability, innovation, and shared prosperity.

If headquartered in Canada’s Capital Region, the DSRB could

• Create more than 3,500 high-value jobs in defence finance, investment, and technology;
• Accelerate innovation and commercialization for Canadian defence and dual-use firms;
• Strengthen the bridge between innovation, policy, and finance;
• Leverage the region’s world-class defence innovation ecosystem; and
• Deliver billions in GDP impact to the national economy.

The DSRB would naturally support elements of the region’s evolving National Defence Innovation Hub Strategy – developed through a partnership between the City of Ottawa and Invest Ottawa, to grow, attract, and maximize defence capital for homegrown firms that strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and allied collaboration.

Ottawa’s integrated ecosystem, combined with its federal presence and established global partnerships, positions the region to host an institution of national significance and long-term economic impact.

A Unified Voice for Canada’s Capital

As regions across Canada put forward proposals for the DSRB, leaders from industry, academia, government, and national security organisations continue to emphasise that Ottawa offers the most complete and capable foundation for this institution. Sir Terry’s endorsement further strengthens the unified voice of the Capital Region.

• Learn more about Ottawa’s defence and resilience ecosystem: dihub.ca
  

About Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital. Guided by a vision to help Ottawa achieve its potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion, and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These initiatives strengthen Canada’s innovation economy and advance national security and resilience for generations to come.  investottawa.ca