The idea to create a community of interests centred on technological innovations in the field of defence and security can be traced back to Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier.

• In 2001, a DRDC task force was formed under an agreement between DRDC Valcartier and Pole Quebec Chaudiere-Appalaches, a Quebec City-based economic development agency.
• In 2003-2004, consultations were held with key Canadian companies and institutions operating in the defence and security sectors and interested in contributing to the project as members or partners. In October 2005, Technopole Defence and Security (TDS), an independent non-profit organization, was founded and headquartered in Quebec City near the Valcartier military base. Financed by Economic Development Canada and annual membership dues, TDS subsequently developed its unique service offer and recruited its founding members, including industry leaders such as:
  • DMR, a Fujitsu Company;
  • Thales Systems Canada;
  • General Dynamics Canada, and;
  • SNC Tehnologies.
• In May 2006, TDS opened an office in Ottawa under the responsibility of business development director Gilles Dupont.
• In 2006-2007, TDS contributed to the Accord program; promoting key sectors of excellence in the Quebec City region. TDS also developed an economic development strategy for the defence, security and public safetymarkets. The program received $1.3 million in funding from the Innovation Fund in September 2007. This financial contribution will allow the start-up of the strategy's three cornerstone projects: the Technology Integration Centre, the Market Intelligence Bureau and the Defence and Security District. Those three projects are underway and remain TDS's top priorities.