Open
Closing Soon
Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station
Transportable Arctic optical communications system
Last Update: June 22, 2026
Funding available
$ 300,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 21, 2026
- Closing date : July 2, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Innovative Solutions Canada supports pre-commercial innovation through challenge-based funding for Canadian businesses. This opportunity seeks a transportable optical ground station for Arctic and low-Earth-orbit optical communications, including modular hardware, remote control, and resilient operation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : May 21, 2026
- Closing date : July 2, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Design, development, and demonstration of a transportable Optical Ground Station
- Development of a proof of feasibility in Phase 1
- Development of a functional prototype in Phase 2
- Testing in a simulated environment
- Testing in an operational or real-world environment
Documents Needed
- Official solicitation documents
- Tender notice for this specific challenge on CanadaBuys
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For Phase 1, businesses with solutions at TRL 1 to 4 can submit a proposal.
- For Phase 2, businesses with solutions at TRL 5 to 9 can submit a proposal.
- Only businesses that meet the program’s eligibility criteria may apply.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that do not meet the program’s eligibility criteria are not eligible to apply.
- For this challenge, solutions outside the relevant TRL range are not eligible for the selected phase.
Eligible expenses
- Salary costs
- Contractor and subcontractor fees
- Travel costs
- Indirect costs up to 15% of eligible costs
- Materials costs
- Patenting costs
- Capital costs for equipment, test tools, and instruments through use cost or depreciation
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchase or lease of land or buildings
- Renovation, construction, or other facilities-related costs
- Financing costs, legal fees, and loan interest
- Goods or services received as gifts or non-financial contributions
- Property taxes
- Lobbyist fees
Additional information
- Questions must be submitted in writing at least 10 calendar days before the closing date.
- Responses to enquiries will be published through an amendment to the Challenge Notice on CanadaBuys.
- Offerors are responsible for monitoring CanadaBuys regularly for updates throughout the solicitation period.
- Selected companies may receive one contract per phase per challenge.
Contacts
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station Program
What is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
Innovative Solutions Canada supports pre-commercial innovation through challenge-based funding for Canadian businesses. This opportunity seeks a transportable optical ground station for Arctic and low-Earth-orbit optical communications, including modular hardware, remote control, and resilient operation.
How much funding can be received?
Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station Funds up to $300,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is July 2, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program?
To be eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program, you must:
The applicant must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada.
The applicant must be a small or medium-sized business with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Research and development activities must take place in Canada.
What expenses are eligible under Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
Design, development, and demonstration of a transportable Optical Ground Station
Development of a proof of feasibility in Phase 1
Development of a functional prototype in Phase 2
Testing in a simulated environment
Testing in an operational or real-world environment
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station available?
The Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program is available across Canada.