GCXpo is Canada’s ultimate stage for live, immersive tech – and now that we’re less than two weeks away, this year’s lineup is getting ready to deliver.
Happening on Wednesday, September 24, this free, one-day showcase at Area X.O in Ottawa will bring together over 80 of the country’s most promising innovators for live demonstrations across defence, mobility, agri-tech, smart cities, and more.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the companies demonstrating their breakthrough technologies at GCXpo 2025.
But keep in mind, this is just a glimpse. Register now to be sure you don’t miss a thing at GCXpo 2025.
Meet a Few of This Year’s Demonstrators
Optii Corp will showcase its lightweight, passive RF detection system, an optical sensor that detects electromagnetic signals in the X-band (8–12 GHz). Using photonics instead of electronics, the sensor offers undetectable signal detection and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Mounted on a drone, it provides reliable situational awareness for drone monitoring and electronic defence scenarios. Optii Corp’s technology has applications in military surveillance, airspace management, and counter-UAS operations.
Robotics Centre will display several of its proven drone platforms currently in use by the Canadian Armed Forces and public safety departments. These rugged aerial systems are designed for real-time surveillance and situational awareness in demanding operational environments. The company’s technologies have supported NATO-aligned operations and continue to evolve with the needs of tactical missions and emergency response scenarios.
InDro Robotics will demonstrate its advanced robotics and UAV capabilities, built for smart inspection, data gathering, and logistics applications in remote or urban settings. Their platforms are tailored to real-world deployment and powered by intelligent automation. With experience in regulatory collaboration and integration with smart infrastructure, InDro Robotics is helping redefine what’s possible in autonomous service delivery and remote asset monitoring.
Developed by Carleton University students, Blackbird UAV is an award-winning drone project built for the national UAS competition. The team designs, builds, and operates aircraft systems – offering attendees a close look at Canada’s next generation of aerospace engineers in action. Their projects showcase deep systems integration, innovation in avionics, and a commitment to hands-on engineering excellence.
MASINNO (Multi-Agents System INNOvation) is a start-up based in Kanata North, focused on Multi-Autonomous Mobile Robot integration. With modular hardware and mission-adaptive software, MASINNO is developing flexible robotic systems that help simplify the implementation of intelligent autonomous robots for enterprises, SME’s and individuals.
CENGN will showcase its Living Lab Initiative – a national testbed network, supported by the Canadian Government’s Strategic Innovation Fund, that enables Canadian startups and scaleups to validate their technologies in real-world conditions. Focused on telecommunications, IoT, mobility, and cybersecurity, the program supports innovation adoption and accelerates commercialization across sectors. With Living Lab deployments across Ontario, CENGN is creating real deployment pathways for companies building Canada’s digital backbone.
Giatec’s real-time concrete monitoring tools, including SmartRock, SmartMix, and MixPilot, will be on display in interactive demos. These technologies provide construction teams with actionable insights to optimize mix designs, reduce emissions, and improve project timelines.
Already in use globally, Giatec’s innovations are helping transform the concrete industry with digital intelligence. Backed by major industry players like Heidelberg Materials and Sika AG, Giatec is driving sustainability and speed in construction.
For the full list of who’ll be wowing the crowds at GCXpo – visit our website.
Innovation Zones in Focus
GCXpo 2025 is organized around three powerful demonstration zones. These curated spaces connect tech leaders, municipal planners, agriculture experts, and defence stakeholders with innovators who are building the systems of tomorrow.
For 2025, zones will include a trade show zone, the Communitech EY Defence Zone, the InDro Drone Zone, a robotics zone, the Rogers Smart City Corridor and the Ottawa Innovation Farm Zone powered by AgExpert.
Here are some Zone highlights:
Communitech EY Defence Zone
Co-hosted by Communitech and Invest Ottawa, this zone focuses on mission-critical innovation. Demonstrators will showcase technologies aligned with Canada’s national security priorities – including robotics, sensors, and AI-powered situational awareness tools. Sessions will also explore NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and its growing footprint in Canada.
Powering a Smarter, More Sustainable Future
While the Defence Zone brings powerful focus to national security and mission-critical innovation, GCXpo 2025 is designed to showcase bold ideas across every sector. This year’s Rogers Smart City Corridor and Ottawa Innovation Farm Zone, powered by AgExpert, highlight how Canadian innovators are tackling urgent challenges in agriculture, infrastructure, climate, and community well-being, offering real solutions with global potential.
Ottawa Innovation Farm Zone powered by AgExpert – Cultivating the Future of Agriculture
Canada’s agricultural sector is undergoing a digital transformation, and this zone shows what the future of farming looks like. The Innovation Farm Zone brings together leaders in cleantech, AI, rural connectivity, and sustainable production to explore what’s next in smart agriculture.
Featured focus areas include:
- Autonomous machinery and robotics for field operations
- AI and data-driven analytics for crop and livestock management
- Climate-resilient practices that help producers adapt to changing conditions
- Connectivity strategies to drive rural innovation and technology adoption
Demonstrations in this zone reveal how technology is enabling more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable food systems – from seed to storage.
Rogers Smart City Corridor: Building Urban Intelligence
As cities grow more complex, they also grow more connected. The Rogers Smart City Corridor brings together innovators, urban planners, and technology providers who are designing more livable, sustainable, and responsive urban environments.
Demonstrations and discussions will explore:
- Mobility systems and multimodal infrastructure that improve how people and goods move through cities
- Real-time data platforms and public digital twins that empower better planning and decision-making
- Clean energy solutions that drive emissions reduction and climate resilience
- Cross-sector partnerships between cities, startups, and civic institutions to foster inclusive innovation
This zone showcases the digital and physical infrastructure that’s shaping the future of urban living – from transport to energy to public trust.
Why Attend GCXpo 2025?
GCXpo is more than just a tech demo day. It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of Canada’s most promising innovators and their solutions in action.
Attendees will gain firsthand insight into emerging and cutting-edge technologies shaping our economy, meet cross-sector collaborators, and take part in meaningful, in-person conversations that can drive innovation forward.
With new programming, expanded zones, and live showcases, GCXpo 2025 offers an unmatched view into what’s next in Canadian tech.
What to Expect Onsite
Beyond the tech, GCXpo offers a festival-like experience designed for discovery and connection. Attendees can explore the site via shuttle, grab lunch from local food trucks, participate in zone-specific programming, and visit networking areas tailored for collaboration.
Whether you’re looking to strike up a conversation with a founder, learn from a live panel, or you’re just hoping to see amazing technology in action, something is happening in every corner of the one-of-a-kind venue.
Powered by a National Ecosystem of Support
GCXpo 2025 is made possible through the collaboration and commitment of Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Co-hosted by Area X.O, Invest Ottawa and the Government of Canada, the event is supported by a growing network of public and private partners working to accelerate next-generation technologies.
From federal innovation programs and national R&D infrastructure to sector-specific champions in defence, agriculture, telecommunications, and smart cities, GCXpo reflects the strength of Canada’s innovation community, and its shared belief in the power of demonstration to drive real-world impact.’
Ready to See It All in Action?
With GCXpo less than two weeks away, now is the time to lock in your plans to join us.
Whether you’re coming from across town or across Canada, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see more than 80 technologies in motion, connect with innovators and decision-makers, and experience what’s next in Canadian innovation.