SMARTBUILD and Pasqua First Nation sign agreement to build majority Indigenous-owned technology company for defence, energy and infrastructure

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.

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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.