Update — November 5, 2026: GCXpo 2026 has concluded. This announcement retains its original September 23 framing. Current milestone status: Optii received a DRDC support letter following a technology demonstration, with contracting still pending; the Old Dominion University MOU was countersigned in September 2026 and is not a contract or completed evaluation.
Optii has been selected to exhibit at GCXpo for the second consecutive year. On September 29, 2026, we will return to Area X.O in Ottawa to showcase our passive photonic RF sensing technology alongside Canadian innovators across defence, dual-use technology, autonomous systems and advanced mobility.
Hosted at Area X.O, the research and development complex operated by Invest Ottawa, GCXpo brings together government, industry, investors and innovators for live technology demonstrations. It creates opportunities to see Canadian technologies in action and discuss the partnerships, testing and investment needed to move them toward wider use.
A year of progress toward commercialization
Since exhibiting at GCXpo last year, Optii has made its strongest progress to date toward commercialization. Over the past year, we have:
- Received a support letter from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) following a technology demonstration; contracting remains pending.
- Joined the Virginia Beach International Incubator as its only Canadian company, establishing a foundation for U.S. growth and defence partnerships.
- Signed a memorandum of understanding with Old Dominion University, countersigned in September 2026, to support collaboration discussions. The MOU is not presented as a contract or completed evaluation.
These milestones mark important steps in connecting technology development with prospective users, integration partners and opportunities for further evaluation.
Showcasing passive photonic RF sensing
At GCXpo, we will showcase the evolution of our passive photonic RF sensing technology. Our approach uses fibre optics and photonic signal interaction to support the detection and interpretation of radio-frequency activity, with a forward sensing point designed to operate without local power or batteries. Central processing equipment requires power.
Optii's public maturity statement is TRL 6 complete; TRL 7 development and validation underway.
Meet Optii at GCXpo 2026
We look forward to reconnecting with partners from last year, meeting new collaborators and sharing the progress we have made. If you attended, contact Optii to continue a technical, evaluation or partnership conversation.