Medicine Hat College researchers are recommending a regional service hub to help southeastern Alberta businesses reach defence customers and testing facilities.

The college highlighted the research Nov. 10, outlining opportunities for rural and smaller urban communities in autonomous systems, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Its Centre for Innovation led the Defence Innovation Hub Nexus project with funding through the Department of National Defence’s MINDS program. The work brought together perspectives from government, military organizations, businesses and researchers.

The September report draws on 51 interviews conducted from April through September 2026 and comparisons with Canadian and allied-country initiatives.

It identifies CFB Suffield, Defence Research and Development Canada’s Suffield centre and the Foremost unmanned aircraft testing range as regional assets. Proposed specializations include autonomous technology, field testing and applications that serve both military and civilian customers.

Agriculture and energy businesses could contribute experience in remote sensing, mapping and automation, the report suggests. It also recommends strengthening connections with Calgary and Edmonton.

The proposed hub would begin by organizing services through existing institutions and facilities. A shared point of contact would help companies find research partners, arrange testing and navigate procurement.

The college describes workforce development, investment and regional co-operation as central to the approach.

For businesses entering the defence market, the report proposes practical assistance with certification, cybersecurity, intellectual property and funding applications.