Closed
Source verified July 19, 2026
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026
Military counter-drone innovation challenge
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
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.
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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
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Application Form.
- Test Plan.
- Company and Technology Overview one-pager.
- An untouched photograph of your solution in a ready to operate configuration, and an untouched real video of three minutes or less 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
- Technical criteria in the Application Form are used to evaluate applications, and the form includes instructions, scoring metrics, and weight factors.
- Solutions that address the desirable outcome of integration into an external command and control system are of particular interest.
- Solutions that address the desirable outcomes in whole or in part have an increased likelihood of being selected to attend the 2026 CUAS Sandbox.
- New or different technologies and concepts with unknown future potential are of higher interest than solutions that largely duplicate existing similar solutions.
- Canadian content within each application will be considered during evaluation.
How to apply
- Carefully read the Applicant Guide for Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2026.
- Download and complete the Application Form, the Test Plan template, the Radio Frequency Spectrum, DND Form 552 if required, and the Company and Technology Overview one-pager.
- Request a PriviDox account with IDEaS at least ten business days before the application period closes by email.
- Wait for the two automated PriviDox emails, then follow the instructions to activate your account and start collaborating.
- Submit your application through your PriviDox account before 2:00 pm ET on December 15, 2025, or the other date posted on the program page.
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)