AI, Quantum, Cybersecurity and Space: Leveraging Dual-use Tech for Defence & Sovereignty

Matt is an interdisciplinary thinker and researcher with a background that spans industries from construction to academia to policy. His work explores how emerging technologies and shifting geopolitical dynamics reshape security, governance, knowledge, and sovereignty — with a focus on the implications of AI and digital infrastructure.

Matt previously worked on international AI governance and security at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. His Ph.D. research examined the relationship between historical narrative, written evidence, and political power.

Matt is also a fellow in Technology and Security at Queen’s University’s Centre for International and Defence Policy, and he serves on multiple standardization technical committees.

Rafal Janik is the Chief Operating Officer at Xanadu, where he leads the commercialization of Xanadu’s quantum computing technology. He has over 13 years of experience leading software and machine learning teams in both large enterprises and high growth startups to bring cutting edge technologies to market. Rafal works closely with national governments and large enterprises to develop quantum adoption strategies and policies.

Mina leads Kepler with a vision to extend the human reach into space by building a modern Internet infrastructure on-orbit for the future space economy. Under Mina’s leadership, Kepler has raised over $200 million USD in funding and achieved notable industry recognition as the largest satellite operator in Canada, one of the most innovative companies in space by Fast Company, and ‘top10 in satellite’ by Via Satellite in 2023.

Dr. Emily Missyabit McAuley is a member of Lake Manitoba First Nation and Director of Science Programs at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She holds an M.Sc. in Biology from Carleton University and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Simon Fraser University. Her work spans federal science policy and modernization, Indigenous Science, research governance, AI-enabled systems analysis, and environmental research. Previously, she led the AAFC-hosted interdepartmental Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (I-STEM) Cluster, which brings federal science departments together to increase and expand support for Indigenous priorities in environmental stewardship and research.