Closed
Source verified June 5, 2026
Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan
Applied materials R&D for energy and defence
Funding available
$ 1,500,000 - $ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence call for proposals supports applied research and development projects that strengthen Canada’s critical minerals value chain and national materials production capacity. It targets eligible applicants in Canada working on advanced materials or components for clean energy and defence applications.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied R&D for innovative advanced materials or components
- Applied R&D for innovative processes producing advanced materials or components
- Performance testing and validation of the developed material, component, or process
- Projects with clean energy and defence end-use applications
Documents Needed
- Expression of interest
- Commercialization plan
- Intellectual property strategy
- Letter confirming applicant organization contribution
- Full project proposal with budget and statement of work
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- The DI phase is open to all eligible applicants.
- The full project proposal phase is open only to invited applicants.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not for-profit legal entities
- Entities not incorporated or registered in Canada
- Projects targeting only energy or only defence end uses
- Projects limited to foundational research, demonstration, or deployment
- Projects in upstream mining extraction, refining, or basic material processing
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits
- Training, workshops, and consulting services
- Travel, meals, and accommodation
- Equipment, materials, and testing
- Eligible overhead, up to 15%
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Foundational research only
- Demonstration or deployment only
- Process optimization only
- Upstream mining extraction, refining, or basic material processing
- Purchase of land
Selection criteria
- Fit with call objectives and eligibility criteria
- Diverse consortium or cross-disciplinary project team
- Canadian head office and primary ownership of Background IP and Project IP
- Support for regional balance and IDEA priorities
How to apply
- Applicants must complete and submit their declaration of interest through the applicant portal.
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants must submit a declaration of interest through the applicant portal.
- The process of selecting projects is carried out in two phases.
- The DI phase is open to all eligible applicants.
- The full project proposal phase is open only to invited applicants.
Additional information
- Updated June 2026: the link to Canada’s Critical Minerals List was changed to reflect the 2024 version, which includes high-purity iron ore, phosphorus, and silicon metal.
- The call is open from 2026-06-01 to 2026-07-03.
- Applicants must submit a declaration of interest through the applicant portal by 13 h (HE) on 3 July 2026.
- The project selection process has two phases: the DI phase and the full project proposal phase for invited applicants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan Program
What is the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan?
The Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence call for proposals supports applied research and development projects that strengthen Canada’s critical minerals value chain and national materials production capacity. It targets eligible applicants in Canada working on advanced materials or components for clean energy and defence applications.
How much funding can be received?
Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan program?
To be eligible for the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan program, you must:
Applied R&D projects must start at TRL 3 to 6.
Projects must target both clean energy and defence end uses.
Projects must advance materials, components, or processes in the critical mineral value chain.
What expenses are eligible under Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan?
Applied R&D for innovative advanced materials or components
Applied R&D for innovative processes producing advanced materials or components
Performance testing and validation of the developed material, component, or process
Projects with clean energy and defence end-use applications
Who can I contact for more information about the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at eipenergydefence-pieenergiedefense@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan available?
The Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan program is available across Canada.
Is the Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Advanced Materials for Energy and Defence - NRCan is a Researchers And Facilities