Closed
Source verified October 14, 2026
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026
Military counter-drone innovation challenge
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Latest source updateLast Update: October 14, 2026Latest change: The CUAS Sandbox 2026 page now spells out who can apply, the TRL 5+ requirement, the application materials, PriviDox submission steps, and the December 15, 2025 deadline.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 14, 2026
Latest change: The CUAS Sandbox 2026 page now spells out who can apply, the TRL 5+ requirement, the application materials, PriviDox submission steps, and the December 15, 2025 deadline.
CUAS Sandbox 2026 rules and application details updated
The CUAS Sandbox 2026 page now includes detailed eligibility and solution requirements, including that applications are open to individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, industry of any size, and provincial, territorial, and municipal organizations, while federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations are not eligible. It also now states that solutions must be TRL 5 or higher and adds the challenge focus, scenarios, and technology interests being sought. The application process was expanded with specific instructions to read the applicant guide, complete the application form, test plan template, DND Form 552 if needed, and company and technology one-pager, then submit through PriviDox. The submission deadline is now shown as 2:00 pm ET on December 15, 2025, and grant-specific support is provided at IDEaSSandboxes-EnvironnementsprotegesIDEeS@forces.gc.ca.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 is a Canadian Department of National Defence IDEaS challenge offering up to $1.75 million in monetary prizes to individuals, academia, not for profit organizations, industry, provincial, territorial and municipal organizations, and foreign companies. It seeks advanced prototypes that can detect or defeat Micro and Mini UAS.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Documents Needed
- Application Form.
- Test Plan template.
- Company and Technology Overview one-pager.
- An untouched photograph of your solution, showing it in a ready to operate configuration, and an untouched 3 minute or less real video showing it in operation.
- Radio Frequency Spectrum, DND Form 552, if your solution emits any RF energy.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals and academia.
- Not for profit organizations and industry of any size.
- Provincial, territorial, and municipal organizations.
- Foreign companies.
Who is not eligible
- Federal government departments and agencies.
- Federal Crown corporations.
Selection criteria
- The Application Form uses scored technical criteria, and the instructions, scoring metrics, and weight factors are included within the form.
- A solution that does not achieve a PASS on all mandatory criteria in Section 1 of the form will not proceed further in the evaluation process.
- There is no minimum overall score required.
- Technologies and concepts that are new, different, and have an unknown future potential are of higher interest, and solutions that address desirable outcomes in whole or in part have an increased likelihood of being selected.
- The committee considers alignment with priorities, alignment with DND/CAF, operational investment, distinction of solution, strength and risk of application, impact, type of solution, industrial and socio-economic benefits to Canada, and Canadian content within each application.
How to apply
- Carefully read the Applicant Guide for Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox 2026.
- Download and complete the Application Form, the Test Plan template, the Radio Frequency Spectrum, DND Form 552 if your solution emits any RF energy, and the Company and Technology Overview one-pager.
- Request a PriviDox account at least ten business days prior to the application period closing by email.
- Wait for the two automated PriviDox emails, then follow the instructions to activate your account and start collaborating.
- Submit your application using your PriviDox account prior to 2:00 pm ET on December 15, 2025, or other date as posted on the program page.
- Send us an email when your submission is completed.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive an application confirmation email receipt within two business days.
Additional information
- The challenge builds on the results of the 2024 CUAS Sandbox.
- No specific detailed essential challenge outcomes are identified at this time.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 Program
What is the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026?
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 is a Canadian Department of National Defence IDEaS challenge offering up to $1.75 million in monetary prizes to individuals, academia, not for profit organizations, industry, provincial, territorial and municipal organizations, and foreign companies. It seeks advanced prototypes that can detect or defeat Micro and Mini UAS.
Who is eligible for the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 program?
To be eligible for the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 program, you must:
The solution must have a Technology Readiness Level of 5 or higher.
The solution must detect and/or defeat Micro and Mini UAS.
Who can I contact for more information about the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026?
You can contact Department of National Defence (DND) by email at IDEaSSandboxes-EnvironnementsprotegesIDEeS@forces.gc.ca.
Where is the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 available?
The Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 program is available across Canada.
Is the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026?
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026 is funded by Department of National Defence (DND)