DAIR To Innovate 2026

Hosting Partner

Premier Event Partners

DAIR To Innovate 2026 brings Canada’s aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing community together at one of the country’s most recognized aerospace hubs.

Taking place at the Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation at Downsview Park, this year’s conference will welcome 300+ participants from industry, academia, government, the Canadian Armed Forces and associations for a full day of ideas, technology demonstration and connections.

Attendees can expect engaging speakers, timely panel discussions, valuable networking opportunities and an expanded Tech Showcase featuring organizations demonstrating technologies and capabilities shaping the future of the sector.

Location: Downsview Park – Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation
Address: 65 Carl Hall Rd, North York, ON M3K 2C1

What to Expect

25+ Tech Showcase exhibits
World-class speakers and industry leaders
Aerospace, defence and technology innovators
300+ attendees from across the ecosystem
High-value networking and partnership opportunities
A unique aerospace setting in the heart of Downsview Park

D2I 2026 Agenda

Time	Session	Speakers
8:00–9:00	Registration, Networking
9:00–9:20	Welcome Remarks	Phil Arthurs — DAIR Dr. Craig Stephenson — Centennial College
9:20–9:35	Industry Perspective	Rui Pedro Silva — Bombardier
9:35–10:35	Collaborative R&D: From Innovation to Commercialization	Brandon Robinson — Horizon Aircraft Max Schultes — RAMPF Composite Solutions Dr. Ali Dolatabadi — University of Toronto Phil Cole — Cert Centre Canada Joost List — North Aircraft Moderator: Christy Michalak — NGen Canada
10:35–11:05	Break: Tech Showcase & Networking
11:05–12:05	Operating in Aerospace & Dual-Use Environments	Julie David — Skill Dynamics Steve Gregory — 123 Defence Russ Simpson — Siemens Moderator: Enguerran Michel — Bombardier
12:05–12:20	The Evolving A&D Environment in Canada	Chris Casey — PwC Canada Rear-Admiral (Ret) Steven Thornton — PwC Canada
12:20–1:40	Lunch: Tech Showcase & Networking
1:40–2:00	CAF Joint UxS Office	LCol Nick Verreault — Canadian Armed Forces
2:00–2:50	Autonomous Aviation & UxS	Niloofar Moradi — National Research Council Canada Kanwar Johal — Superwake Glen Lynch – Volatus Aerospace Moderator: Dina Tzirakos-Hawker — Sandbox Centre
2:50–3:10	Canada’s Space Perspective	BGen Chris Horner — Canadian Armed Forces
3:10–3:35	Break: Tech Showcase & Networking
3:35–4:20	Building Canada’s Domestic Space Capability	Rahul Goel — NordSpace Hugh Kolias — Canada Rocket Company Sgt. Jesse Mikelberg (Ret.) — Reaction Dynamics Moderator: Craig McClellend — FedDev Ontario
4:20–4:55	Fireside Chat: CAF Defence	MGen Jeff Smyth — Canadian Armed Forces MGen (Ret.) Scott Clancy — Henley Strategies
4:55–5:00	Closing Remarks	Andrew Petrou — DAIR/Centennial College
5:00 onward	Reception, Tech Showcase & Networking