Invested in our New Reality

In the final episode of the season, we sit down with Sem Ponnambalam, Co-Founder and CEO of xahive, an Ottawa-based cybersecurity company helping organizations prepare for the next generation of digital threats. Drawing on her background in international policy, trade, and national security, Sem explains post-quantum cryptography in plain language, explores why cybersecurity is a leadership and culture challenge (not just a technical one), and shares why Ottawa’s unique ecosystem makes it a critical hub for cyber defence innovation in Canada and beyond.

In episode 7, we sit down with Samuel Witherspoon, co-founder and CEO of Anvil Intelligence, an Ottawa-based defence and national security company that’s transforming how analysts and commanders make decisions. Drawing on his background as an engineer, lawyer, and clerk at Canada’s National Security Court, Sam shares how Anvil’s technology increases analytical capacity for the Canadian Armed Forces, why Ottawa is Canada’s defence innovation hub, and the lessons of persistence, trust, and human-centred leadership that have guided the company for over a decade.

In this episode, we sit down with Hugo Hodgett, founder and CEO of H2 Analytics Inc., an Ottawa-based defence and intelligence company that’s transforming how elite military teams train. A veteran of Army Intelligence and Special Operations, Hugo shares how his mission command leadership style has shaped H2 Analytics’ culture, why the company is betting big on AI and realistic training exercises, and the importance of being rooted in Canada’s Capital Region.

In Episode 5, we’re joined by Mike Nelson, founder and CEO of TACTIQL. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who served overseas, Mike turned his focus to defence tech innovation after leaving the military. He explains how his company is helping standardise and integrate disparate sensor and intelligence systems, why Ottawa is the heart of Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem, and how mission focus and perseverance still guide him, whether in uniform or in entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear how Mike and TACTIQL are bringing commercial scale tech to the national defence domain.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eliot Pence, founder of Dominion Dynamics and General Partner at Tofino Capital. Eliot shares his journey to leading the charge in Canada’s frontier defence innovation, building sovereign capability for the Arctic and beyond. He discusses the lessons learned from global defence technology, the importance of speed and action over asking for permission, and why Ottawa is the right place and time for Canada to become a hub for 21st-century defence innovation. Tune in to hear how Eliot and Dominion Dynamics are redefining what it means to protect and lead in a complex, tech-driven world.

In this episode, James Nguyen, CEO and co-founder of Quantropi Inc., shares the journey of building a cybersecurity company at the forefront of quantum innovation. He discusses how his experience and vision have shaped Quantropi’s mission to protect data communications from emerging threats like quantum computing and AI. James explains what makes Quantropi unique, how the company leverages quantum science to create secure networks, and why Canada, with Ottawa at the heart of its technology and innovation ecosystem, has a critical role to play in shaping the future of secure, trustworthy digital infrastructure.

In Episode 2, Glenn Cowan, founder and managing director of ONE9, shares the journey of building a defence-focused venture ecosystem in Canada from Ottawa. A former special operations officer, investor, and adventurer, Glenn discusses how his military experience has shaped his approach to leadership, innovation, and building businesses that support national security. He explains what makes ONE9 unique, how the company bridges the gap between early-stage defence technology and end users, and why Canada, with Ottawa at the heart of its national security and innovation community, now has a critical opportunity to strengthen its defence-innovation landscape.

From Ottawa’s Kanata North tech park, RANOVUS is building the backbone of global AI infrastructure, and proving that world-changing innovation can start right here in Canada. In episode one of IONR Season 15: Defence Innovation, CEO Hamid Arabzadeh shares lessons from scaling deep tech, partnering across sectors, and why he believes the world is finally catching up to the kind of system thinking Canadians do best.

Tune into Season 15 of Invested in Our New Reality: Defence Innovation, hosted by Reba Molotsi, Business Development Strategist for Defence and Security with Invest Ottawa, to hear directly from the innovators, founders, and leaders shaping Canada’s future. This season explores how collaborative innovation in the Ottawa-Gatineau region is strengthening sovereignty and contributing to our readiness here and abroad.

Mathieu Grondin is here for a good time and (hopefully) a long time. On the Season 14 finale of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade welcomes Ottawa’s first-ever Nightlife Commissioner to discuss his role and vision and his hopes for a revitalized downtown. Listen as they discuss what it means to be entertained for the new generation of young people, the value of arts and culture in a thriving city, and why Ottawa is the city where fun is found and not forgotten. It is an exceptional episode and the fitting end to an outstanding season exploring the potential and future of this city’s much-loved downtown district.