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Optical and Photonic Solutions for Defence

INO works with government organizations and major defence players to develop, qualify, and manufacture advanced optical and photonic solutions — from TRL 1 to TRL 8.

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PROTECT. DETECT. SECURE.

INO accelerates innovation in optics and photonics to address the strategic challenges of the defence sector. Government defense research labs, system integrators, and prime contractors face growing pressure: to develop sovereign solutions faster, adapted to complex environments, while reducing technical and industrial risks. That’s exactly where INO comes in.

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Your Challenges

As a player in the defence sector, you face several key challenges:

  • Creating solutions that do not yet exist, in a secure environment: detectors, sensors, optical systems, lasers, photonic modules, etc.
  • Accelerating the transition from concept to product by reducing technical uncertainty from the earliest TRL stages.
  • Industrializing specialized optical components in low volumes (10 to 100 units).
  • Leveraging sovereign Canadian expertise to overcome international technology restrictions.
  • Mitigating development risks with a neutral, experienced, and recognized partner.

Your Objectives

  • Transforming a concept or prototype into a militarized, industrializable product
  • Developing new optical or photonic subsystems requiring advanced expertise in design, manufacturing, and integration
  • Delivering an infrared product or component
  • Relying on a partner capable of playing a key role in development and seamless transition to low-volume production

Application Domains

Our teams develop solutions for several critical domains:

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Threat Detection

Detection of biological agents, single-photon sensors for quantum applications, navigation in challenging environments.

Secure Communications

Quantum technologies, integrated photonics, and specialized detection and emission modules.

INO | Blog - Wildfire Monitoring: Tackling a Financial and Environmental Issue

Territory Surveillance

Wildfire detection, infrared and visible surveillance, and border integrity monitoring.

Drone Neutralization

Development of high-power lasers, specialty optical fibres for laser amplification and high-power transmission, advanced photonic subsystems, artificial intelligence, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) components.

What INO Takes On

You may entrust us with all or part of the development cycle:

  • Feasibility studies and architecture definition
  • Optical and optomechanical design
  • Prototyping and delivery of a first product generation
  • Testing, validation, and qualification
  • Manufacturing planning and industrialization
  • Low-volume production
  • Ongoing technical support

INO stands out as an end-to-end partner, delivering reliable, tested, high-performance solutions ready for operation in harsh environments.

OUR TAILORED OFFERING

Development of Complex Optical and Photonic Components and Systems

For feasibility or applied research projects requiring:

  • Optical, photonic, lidar, laser, and advanced detection technologies
  • Unique architectures unavailable on the market
  • Concept validation to support detailed calls for tender

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Product Development

To transform a prototype or idea into a defence-ready, pre-qualifiable product:

  • Optical and photonic product engineering
  • Optical and optomechanical design
  • Validation, testing, and documentation
  • Preparation for qualification and industrialization

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Manufacturing and Industrialization

INO manufactures components and products in small series with a high level of repeatability:

  • Short-run manufacturing
  • Production compliant with standards and regulations
  • Optional technology transfer

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Specialized Services

Beyond development, INO provides critical services to ensure project success:

  • Environmental testing
  • Optical characterization and metrology
  • Microfabrication
  • Optomechanical design
  • AI expertise applied to optical systems
  • Qualification-ready technical documentation

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Why Choose INO?

Recognized Technical Expertise

Over 35 years of experience in optics and photonics for demanding environments.

Deep Understanding of Defence Requirements

Processes, testing, and practices aligned with industry standards, ensuring performance, stability, and reliability in secure laboratories. Facilities holding security clearances, Controlled Goods Program accreditation, and ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 14644-1 certifications.

Risk Reduction for Emerging Technologies

From TRL 1 to TRL 8 under one roof, with structured approaches, clear documentation, and rigorous validation.

Canadian Organization

Ability to develop sovereign components.

Flexible and Collaborative Approach

Tailored solutions adapted to the specific constraints of each project.

From Idea to Product

INO delivers designs, functional prototypes, or short-run products—depending on your level of maturity.

Our Achievements

Development of Single-Photon Detectors for Quantum Detection

Project: Development of stealth sensors (lidars)

Application: Arctic maritime navigation in harsh conditions

INO High-Definition Infrared Space Camera Core HDISCC

Manufacturing of an Infrared Camera Core

Application: Wildfire detection 

Production: 20 units

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LaserNGN - Fiber gain modules

Development of High-Power Lasers

Project: Development of optimized gain modules for high-power applications

Application: Drone neutralization

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Is your project focused on preserving territorial integrity?

Our experts can help accelerate your innovation. Contact an expert by filling the form below.

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