In a move signalling a growing focus on national security and technological sovereignty, former Liberal defence minister Harjit Sajjan has entered the private sector to launch a new defence-technology venture. The startup, named Juno Industries Inc., was announced on Thursday, January 16, 2026, with an initial $3 million in seed funding.
Capitalizing on a National Defence Push
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for Canada's defence industry. The federal government, under guidance from figures like Mark Carney, is actively working to boost military spending and pursue greater autonomy. Juno Industries positions itself to directly benefit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's commitment to strengthening defence capabilities, particularly following Canada's NATO pledge to increase defence-related spending to 5% of its GDP by 2035.
Interest in producing military technology has surged sharply since Canada signed that NATO agreement, creating a ripe environment for new entrants like Juno. The company will focus on developing advanced autonomous systems designed to enhance the national security, sovereignty, and defence capabilities of Canada and its allied partners.
Leadership and High-Profile Backing
Sajjan, who serves as the company's co-founder and executive chairman, brings significant experience from his time in cabinet, including roles as minister of national defence, minister of international development, and president of the King’s Privy Council. In a press release, Sajjan stated, "Since my time as minister of national defence, I’ve stressed the need for predictability, certainty, and a clear path forward to strengthen our military and defence sector." He expressed confidence that the Juno team has the talent and capital to advance innovation in this critical field.
The startup is a joint venture with tech entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe, who serves as the other co-founder. Scharfe described the current climate as "the opening innings of a generational growth cycle in defence technology."
Juno Industries has assembled a notable roster of advisors and investors, lending it considerable credibility:
- Lt. Gen. Michael Hood, a retired senior Royal Canadian Air Force officer.
- Geordie Rose, renowned quantum physicist and founder of D-Wave and Sanctuary AI, who is both an investor and senior advisor.
- Robotics expert Vincent Clerc and entrepreneur Paul Sparkes.
Foundations for Future Growth
The company's mission aligns with a broader governmental vision that Sajjan helped shape during his tenure. The $3 million in seed funding provides the initial capital to begin scaling Canada's sovereign defence technology base. The focus on autonomous systems places Juno at the forefront of modern warfare and security trends, where unmanned and AI-driven technologies are becoming increasingly central.
This venture marks a significant transition for Sajjan from public service to private sector innovation in a domain directly related to his former portfolio. His background as a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces before entering politics further underscores his deep connection to the defence sector. The establishment of Juno Industries represents a tangible step toward building the domestic industrial capacity needed to support Canada's renewed defence ambitions and its commitments to NATO allies.
