Open
Source verified August 9, 2026
IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority
Counter-UAS solutions for military integration
Offered by
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Individuals, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations, companies of all sizes, and provincial, territorial and municipal organizations.
See full eligibility
Overview
Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Protected Environment 2026 supports innovators developing solutions to detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS for integration into larger military command and control systems, with 1.75 million dollars in cash prizes. Participants bring advanced prototypes for testing, demonstration, and iterative feedback at the CUAS range.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Solutions that detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS.
- Systems that can be integrated into larger military command and control systems.
Documents Needed
- A PowerPoint one-page company and solution description.
- A test plan developed and submitted using the provided template.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations, companies of all sizes, and provincial, territorial and municipal organizations.
- Companies that have submitted an application or been accepted in another CUAS activity.
Who is not eligible
- Federal government departments and agencies.
- Federal crown corporations.
Eligible expenses
- Development of the proposed solution.
- Prototype building and validation.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applicable taxes, travel, living, and shipping costs for the optional acquisition.
Selection criteria
- The submitted test plan is evaluated against the stated criteria.
- If the viability of the plan is not evident, a failure may be assigned and the participant will not be selected.
- The selection process considers impacts between different CUAS activities.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the call for proposals
- Consult the Solicitation Guide on CanadaBuys.
- Step 2: Prepare the submission
- Develop the proposal according to the challenge requirements.
- Step 3: Submit through the new IDEaS portal
- Use the CanadaBuys process and the portal for submissions.
Processing and Agreement
- Once selected, further pre-environment discussions refine the test plan and setup for each company.
- If solutions complete the realization and testing contract, continue to meet the challenge requirements, and reach at least TRL 8, they may be considered for an optional acquisition.
- Completion of the realization and testing contract does not guarantee a subsequent acquisition contract.
- If Canada decides to proceed with acquisition, the phase is expected during fiscal year 2027-2028.
Additional information
- This challenge specifically supports the Canada NORAD modernization plan.
Contacts
Other components of this program
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Frequently Asked Questions about the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority Program
What is the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority?
Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Protected Environment 2026 supports innovators developing solutions to detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS for integration into larger military command and control systems, with 1.75 million dollars in cash prizes. Participants bring advanced prototypes for testing, demonstration, and iterative feedback at the CUAS range.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority Funds up to $5,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority program, you must:
The solution must detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS.
The solution must integrate into larger military command and control systems.
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority?
Solutions that detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS.
Systems that can be integrated into larger military command and control systems.
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.
Where is the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority available?
The IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority is a Grant and Funding