A $12M BOREALIS Defence Innovation Secure Hub Proposal
Led by UNBC • Coordinated by Dillon Maier
Quantum sensing developed in the NAQRH hub will power the next generation of all-weather self-driving vehicles and autonomous systems.By using quantum THz hybrids, these systems will see clearly through fog, ice, snow, dust and heavy rain — conditions that still blind today’s cars and forestry equipment.From safer winter roads in northern BC to fully autonomous logging trucks on forest routes, this technology delivers real benefits for everyday northern lives, stronger economies, and safer communities.
Canada’s North is changing faster than anywhere else on Earth. Permafrost thaw, extreme weather, and contested Arctic sovereignty demand resilient, all-domain sensing that works when everything else fails.Traditional radar and optical systems are blinded by polar night, auroral interference, and blowing snow. NAQRH will deliver quantum-enhanced solutions that give Canada persistent awareness and decision superiority in the harshest environment on the planet.
| Penetrates fog, snow, and darkness with centimetre precision. Enables fully autonomous operations in white-out conditions. |
| Secure, ultra-high-bandwidth communications and imaging that defeat jamming and work in total darkness. |
| University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) | Photonic Inc. | Yukon University/Aurora Research Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Terahertz Innovation Hub & northern test sites | Silicon-spin quantum networking | Full Arctic validation & Indigenous leadership |
Consortium Project Manager & Framework Architect
Professional Project Management Framework
1. Project Charter and Governance Model (roles, decision gates,
IP/data-sharing agreements)2. Detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with deliverables mapped to BOREALIS requirements3. 24-month Integrated Master Schedule with critical path, quarterly reporting templates, and milestone payments4. Comprehensive Risk Register and Mitigation Plan (foreign interference, schedule, budget, security)5. Research Security & Secret Level II Accreditation Roadmap (leveraging existing UNBC labs)6. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan (DND/CAF/DRDC, partners, northern Indigenous communities)7. Budget model and financial controls fully aligned with contribution agreement8. GBA+ and Inclusive Talent Development Plan9. Transition-to-Procurement and Sustainability Strategy (hub becomes permanent northern asset after March 2028)
February 23 – Partner outreach
March 5 – Consortium kick-off
March 28 – Full proposal
Submission Deadline:
© 2026 Northern Arctic Quantum Resilience Hub • Proposed to BOREALIS (Department of National Defence)