Lockheed Martin Canada has invested $3.6 million CAD in AI company Lemay.ai to support a new research and development initiative in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The funding, delivered under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, will contribute to advancing AI applications in areas such as predictive maintenance, navigation, and data systems, as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities.
What The Company Does
Founded in 2015, Lemay.ai develops customised artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for clients in defence, government, and financial services. Its work includes building systems for decision support, video analytics, autonomous operations, logistics optimisation, and predictive maintenance.
Through this collaboration, the company will focus on applying AI to several operational challenges, including aircraft maintenance forecasting, supply chain efficiency, and navigation in environments where Global Navigation Satellite Systems, such as GPS, are unavailable or disrupted.
The project will also explore “sovereign knowledge management,” a concept aimed at ensuring that critical data and insights can be securely managed and retained within national frameworks.
Advertisement
Market Context / Industry Background
Governments and defence organisations are increasingly investing in AI to improve operational efficiency, resilience, and autonomy. In aerospace, predictive maintenance and logistics optimisation are seen as key areas where AI can reduce costs and improve readiness. These applications are particularly relevant in complex operational environments, where real-time data processing and decision support can enhance system performance and reliability.
At the same time, geopolitical considerations are influencing technology strategies, with countries placing greater emphasis on sovereignty in both infrastructure and data management. This includes reducing reliance on external systems and ensuring control over critical technologies. As a result, national policies are increasingly aligned with technological development priorities, reflecting a closer integration between innovation and strategic objectives.
Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy plays a central role in this landscape by requiring companies awarded defence contracts to reinvest in domestic industry. The current investment is linked to commitments associated with Lockheed Martin’s supply and support of the CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleet for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Such frameworks are designed to strengthen domestic capabilities while supporting long-term industrial and technological development.
In this context, collaboration between public institutions and private companies continues to shape the development and deployment of advanced technologies. Investment structures tied to procurement processes can influence the direction of innovation, particularly in areas where national security and industrial capacity are closely connected. This dynamic highlights the role of policy-driven investment in shaping technological ecosystems and guiding long-term strategic priorities across the defence sector, as well as reinforcing alignment between industry capabilities and government objectives nationally.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Lockheed Martin stated that the investment supports a collaborative project aimed at advancing research and development within Canada’s aerospace and defence sectors. The initiative will also involve international collaboration with the Czech Aerospace Research Centre.
The focus on sovereign knowledge management reflects broader industry priorities around securing sensitive data and maintaining national control over critical information systems.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The funding will be used to support joint R&D efforts between Lockheed Martin Canada, Lemay.ai, and research partners. This includes developing AI-driven solutions for operational use cases in aerospace and defence, as well as expanding capabilities in data management and system resilience.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Lemay.ai’s position in defence-related AI applications while contributing to Canada’s domestic innovation ecosystem.
About Lemay.ai
Lemay.ai is an artificial intelligence company providing custom machine learning solutions for defence, government, and enterprise clients. Founded in 2015. Headquartered in Ottawa. The company develops systems for analytics, automation, and decision support, helping organisations deploy AI across complex operational environments.
