Memorandum of understanding signed at MSPO 2026 in Poland opens a national partnership model for Indigenous ownership of the software behind Canada’s nation-building projects.
Zulq Malik, Chief Executive Officer of SMARTBUILD (left) and Richard Missens, President and Chief Executive Officer of PFN Group of Companies (right) unveil the new SMARTBUILD Energy, Infrastructure and Defence logo after signing a memorandum of understanding at MSPO 2026 in Kielce, Poland.
TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions Inc. and Pasqua First Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that positions the southern Saskatchewan First Nation as a founding equity partner in SMARTBUILD Energy Infrastructure Defence (EID), a new Regina-based subsidiary.
The agreement was signed at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026) in Kielce, Poland, where the subsidiary was presented to Canadian and NATO-allied prime contractors.
Under the agreement, PFN Group of Companies, the business arm of Pasqua First Nation, will evaluate an equity investment in SMARTBUILD EID, hold a seat on its board of advisors and help shape the company’s strategic business plan. This subsidiary is being structured so that a minimum of 52.5% of its shares are reserved for First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations.
“Truth and reconciliation has affected all of us, and it is part of how we have chosen to build this company,” said Zulq Malik, founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Pasqua First Nation already has the expertise and the relationships in defence and energy. Working together, as owners, is the right way to enter those sectors.”
The Government of Canada has committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defence and security-related priorities by 2035, while fast-tracking a national slate of energy, infrastructure and defence projects as part of its nation-building agenda. Each partner brings complementary experience and a strong track record of delivering success in these sectors.
Pasqua First Nation has built a diversified business portfolio through PFN Group of Companies. Its wholly owned company, Pro Metal Industries, has more than 30 years of fabrication experience across the defence, aerospace and energy sectors and is registered under Canada’s Controlled Goods Program. The Nation is also one of six Indigenous partners in Enbridge’s proposed 200-megawatt Seven Stars Energy Project in southern Saskatchewan.
SMARTBUILD brings the technology and built-world knowledge behind the venture, supported by Malik’s more than 30 years of construction experience across energy, infrastructure and defence projects. To date, the platform has managed more than $250 million in public infrastructure across 54 projects in 31 Canadian communities, and the team has deep expertise in developing AI tools for these sectors. SMARTBUILD also brings its longstanding relationship with Microsoft and its Cloud Solution Provider partnership to the new venture. This will allow the company to grow on already trusted digital infrastructure.
A focus on building the workforce
The partnership extends beyond ownership. Pasqua First Nation and SMARTBUILD will work together to develop a pipeline of Indigenous talent in software developers, artificial intelligence and business, beginning with awareness programs in elementary schools and continuing to internship and co-op opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in fields including software programming, marketing and analytics, and sales and finance.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and building lasting capacity within Indigenous communities across Canada,” said Richard Missens, Chief Executive Officer of PFN Group of Companies. “By investing directly in tailored training and career development programs, we are not just creating jobs – we are empowering Indigenous youth with the skills, leadership opportunities and technical expertise needed to thrive and lead the industry for generations to come.”
Why the partnership matters
The federal government requires departments and agencies to award at least 5% of the total value of their contracts to Indigenous businesses, while prime contractors on major defence programs carry Industrial and Technological Benefits obligations that reward Canadian content. A majority Indigenous-owned software company meets both tests.
SMARTBUILD EID will also operate as a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, delivering Microsoft 365, Copilot, Dynamics and Azure solutions to public sector, non-profit and commercial customers. “This partnership lets us build a deeper relationship with Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Provider, with Indigenous ownership at the centre of it,” said Malik.
Canadian-owned and developed, the company’s EID’s intellectual property and source code are held in Canada. The memorandum is a statement of intent, with the terms of any investment to be settled following due diligence and definitive agreements.
About SMARTBUILD
SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions Inc. is a 100% Canadian-owned construction technology company headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, with an office in Regina, Saskatchewan. Founded in 2019, it builds software for the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector: smrtAE for architects & engineers, smrtGC for general contractors, smrtSUB for trade subcontractors, and smrt-E, an AI voice-first tool for field documentation. The company hosts all project data on Canadian servers. Learn more at: www.smrtbld.com
About Pasqua First Nation
PFN Group of Companies is the economic development arm of Pasqua First Nation. It is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and equity investments that support long-term economic growth and financial sustainability for the Nation.
PFN Group currently holds equity interests in seven companies and maintains a diverse portfolio of business partnerships across several industries. Through these investments and partnerships, PFN Group works to generate sustainable revenue, create employment and training opportunities, strengthen Indigenous participation in the economy, and build lasting prosperity for Pasqua First Nation and its members.
SMARTBUILD and SMARTBILD EID enquiries: Evan Lewis, PhD | [email protected]
Pasqua First Nation enquiries: Trinity Caplette | [email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37b1419d-1c6b-4282-bcee-9fbe44894732
