Canadian-built iMAPLE technology will help preserve critical expertise and prepare personnel for complex maintenance demands

OTTAWA, Ontario, October 27, 2026 – TheNewswire - Today at the Canadian Aerospace Summit in Ottawa, Lockheed Martin Canada announced a CAD $10 million contract with Contextere to advance iMAPLE, its Intelligent Maintenance, Asset, Personnel and Learning Environment. iMAPLE is based on Contextere’s MADISON platform.

iMAPLE provides specialized AI capabilities in competency management and workforce readiness. The contract will fund the platform’s next phase of development, beginning with a deployment supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) CC-130J Hercules fleet. The underlying technology is designed for application to complex equipment across land, air and sea.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates meaningful results for Canadians through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. This partnership invests in a Canadian-developed artificial intelligence solution that supports the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-130J Hercules fleet. It is strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities, creating opportunities for Canadian workers, and helping grow a sovereign AI ecosystem with export potential. Canada’s government will continue to support Canadian innovation by building our domestic defence capabilities,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement.

“Canada has the talent and technology to solve demanding defence challenges,” said Gabriel Batstone, CEO and Co-Founder of Contextere. “This agreement builds on our work with the Department of National Defence and the RCAF to help personnel access critical expertise and prepare for increasingly complex maintenance demands. It also creates an opportunity to grow Canadian-owned AI technology for defence applications at home and in allied markets.”

“This collaboration with the Royal Canadian Air Force and Contextere offers something truly special,” said Kristen Leroux, Vice President & Regional Executive for Canada and Latin America, Lockheed Martin. “We’re proud to be a part of the development of iMAPLE and to work alongside Contextere in support of our air force and the CC-130J fleet, demonstrating how Canadian innovation can build a sovereign defence and dual-use ecosystem right here at home.”

The project brings together Contextere’s Canadian-developed technology, the RCAF’s operational experience and Lockheed Martin sustainment expertise. By matching personnel competencies to maintenance tasks, iMAPLE aims to support sustainment decisions that could improve aircraft availability, maintenance efficiency and fleet readiness.

iMAPLE translates Canadian AI expertise into practical tools for defence personnel. The initiative supports the goals of Canada’s AI for All strategy by advancing AI adoption in a strategic sector, while also supporting Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by advancing Canadian-owned intellectual property and strengthening domestic defence capabilities.

Building Canadian AI for Defence Readiness

Maintaining defence readiness requires personnel with the right capabilities and access to essential technical knowledge. As technical requirements become more complex, defence organizations need to understand workforce capabilities and keep that knowledge accessible.

iMAPLE addresses these challenges by:

• Allowing personnel to search validated maintenance, training and operational information using everyday language. 

• Building competency profiles for maintainers and technicians to identify skills gaps and capability needs. 

• Mapping skills, qualifications, certifications and experience against operational requirements. 

• Capturing and organizing institutional knowledge as experienced personnel change roles or retire. 

Advancing Canada’s Defence Innovation Ecosystem

The partnership supports the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by investing in Canadian-owned intellectual property and the expertise to develop it. For Contextere, it provides a path to bring technology developed with Canada’s defence community into operational use.

The initial CC-130J Hercules deployment offers an opportunity to demonstrate iMAPLE’s potential to address military needs. That experience could help create opportunities for Canadian companies to compete in global defence markets.

For more information

Gabriel Batstone, gabe@contextere.com (+1.613.868.7843)

About Contextere

Contextere is an industrial software company creating AI-enabled solutions focused on human performance. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Global Innovator, our mission is to transform the future of work by delivering actionable intelligence to the last tactical mile. Contextere works in the field with you to meet challenges head-on, driving digital transformation, and deploying our capability to produce results for today and tomorrow.

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