Former defence minister Harjit Sajjan has entered the private sector with the launch of Juno Industries, a new Canadian defence technology company focused on developing autonomous systems. Co-founded with entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe, the firm aims to contribute to national security, technological sovereignty, and allied defence priorities through the development of domestic dual-use capabilities.
Sajjan, who served as minister of national defence from 2015 to 2021, will take on the role of executive chairman.
“Since my time as national minister of defence, I’ve stressed the need for predictability, certainty, and a clear path forward to strengthen our military and defence sector,” said Harjit Sajjan, cofounder and executive chairman of Juno Industries. “We are now seeing the early foundations of that vision take shape, and I believe the team at Juno Industries has the talent, know-how and capital to help advance innovation in Canada and among allied partners.”
Scharfe, an early-stage tech entrepreneur and advisor, will serve as chief executive officer.
Scharfe said the firm will focus on bringing technical innovation to the defence and security space at a time when the market — and mission demands — are evolving quickly.
“We are in the opening innings of a generational growth cycle in defence technology,” commented Hunter Scharfe, co-founder of Juno Industries. “Juno Industries is focused on strengthening sovereignty and improving security outcomes for Canadians and our allies. I am deeply grateful to partner with Harjit as his experience and patriotism set the tone for everything we’re building. I am confident that our shared commitment to solving mission-critical problems will deliver meaningful impact in the years ahead.”
According to a company statement, Juno Industries secured $3 million in seed financing in the fall of 2025, with participation from a group of Canadian investors and entrepreneurs. Among them is Geordie Rose, founder of quantum computing firm D-Wave and robotics company Sanctuary AI, who now serves as a senior advisor to the company.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed interest in Canada’s defence and industrial capabilities, as the federal government looks to modernize its military posture through the 2025 Defence Policy Update. The update includes new investments in NORAD modernization, Arctic surveillance, and emerging technologies. Canada has agreed to NATO’s new defense investment pledge of 5% of GDP by 2035, which includes 3.5% of GDP for core military capabilities and 1.5% for defense and security-related infrastructure. Details on how Canada will implement this strategy are still being finalized.
