Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. has secured a $480,000, multi-year research collaboration with Ontario Tech University through the Mitacs Accelerate program to develop and test a digital-twin-enabled control platform for small and micro modular reactor hybrid energy systems in marine environments.

The project will simulate changing loads, system faults and cybersecurity conditions before equipment is deployed, helping researchers test reactor-aware control strategies and reduce technical risk. Work will be hosted in Ontario Tech’s Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering, with academic supervision led by Professors Hossam Gaber, Li Yang, Kirk Atkinson and Khalil El-Khatib. The program provides 36 internship units to give graduate researchers sustained, hands-on experience in nuclear engineering, energy systems and cybersecurity.

The current Mitacs Accelerate project follows the company's selection for the Mitacs-Horizon Europe International Mobility Award announced on April 23, 2026. The research programs feature McMaster University as a foundational partner alongside Ontario Tech University.

“The $480,000 approved research and development grant is a substantial commitment of Canadian applied research capacity to a problem we believe is central to deploying advanced nuclear at sea and on land, It represents another essential component of our broader R&D portfolio, with McMaster serving as a foundational partner across our research programs”

— Ramtin Rasoulinezhad, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp.

The project is scheduled to be presented to European industry leaders in fall 2026 to explore additional funding and collaboration opportunities. The research agreement is currently in progress and will be finalized before project execution begins.

Read the full announcement: Aegis and Ontario Tech Advance Secure Nuclear-Hybrid Power for Marine Applications