Dr. Ahmed Khorchid

Director of R&D Innovation Operations
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

Dr. Ahmad Khorchid is the Director of R&D Innovation Operations at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), where he leads efforts to enhance the delivery of innovation programs that bridge cutting-edge Canadian research and development with operational capability. His work focuses on improving how emerging technologies are transitioned into real-world defence and security applications that enhance Canada’s defence and security ecosystem through strategic innovation partnerships and stronger collaboration with industry, academia, and international partners.

Previously, Dr. Khorchid served as Director of the Defence Procurement Review, where he led extensive national consultations with industry to modernize how Canada supports and procures Canadian-developed innovations. His work informed more flexible and responsive procurement strategies to better align with Canada’s industry needs and federal innovation objectives.

Dr. Khorchid holds a doctoral degree in experimental medicine from McGill University and brings extensive R&D management experience from both national and international contexts, offering valuable insight into innovation and cutting-edge defence technologies. He has deep expertise in innovation policy, defence procurement, and public–private collaboration and continues to contribute to national and international forums on advancing mission-driven innovation in the public sector.