Open
DRDC Defence Research Partnerships
Collaborate on defence research
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Get the opportunity to collaborate in activities that support strategic objectives and develop new engagement mechanisms that will yield tangible defence research and technology to benefit all partners involved.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- International Activities
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant aims to facilitate collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) through various research and partnership opportunities. Eligible activities include collaboration with industry, academia, government agencies, and international allies in the field of defence and security science and technology.
- Presenting a science or technology solution to DRDC that aligns with their strategic focus areas.
- Engaging in research and innovation programs such as the Defence and Security Science and Technology (DSST) program and the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.
- Participating in information and work exchanges, including technical exchanges and employee exchanges through Interchange Canada.
- Exploring intellectual property opportunities through licensing and collaborative research agreements.
- Applying for defence research grants and initiatives, including the NSERC/DND Alliance Grant and the Department of National Defence Research Initiative.
- Participating in partner organization opportunities such as the Research Trainee Matching Program and the Joint Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Partnerships and Opportunities grant by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is open to a wide range of applicants involved in defence, safety and security collaborations in Canada. This includes individuals and organizations from different sectors interested in advancing science and technology initiatives.Eligible applicants for this grant are expected to come from diverse areas related to science, technology, defence, public safety, and security. The scope of the grant allows for partnerships with various types of organizations.
- Industry partners, including small, medium, and large enterprises, not-for-profits, and industry associations, who contribute innovative ideas and equipment solutions relied upon by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence.
- Academic institutions such as universities, colleges, and academic associations that engage in collaborative science and technology objectives or strategic partnerships.
- Other Canadian government departments and agencies, as well as provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, that collaborate on scientific projects or joint challenges.
- International allies and arrangements like the Technical Cooperation Program and the NATO Science and Technology Organization for exchange of defence knowledge and resources, and facilitation of interoperability and collaborative projects.
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies that do not align with the defence and security research objectives
- Companies that do not have the necessary expertise or capabilities to contribute to the research initiatives
Eligible expenses
This grant encourages collaboration for defence and security research between different sectors in Canada. Eligible activities mainly involve partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the advancement and application of science and technology in the defence and security fields.
- Unclassified university-based research for developing non-weapon specific technologies under the Alliance Grant.
- Personnel recruitment and selection, operational effectiveness, and social processes in the workplace research initiatives supported by the Department of National Defence Research Initiative.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for grants and partnerships with DRDC:
- DRDC is not actively seeking open submissions, and prioritizes responses due to a high volume of S&T solution requests.
- DRDC leverages technology development through licensing and other mechanisms to enhance Canada's security and defence industry.
- Technology transfer activities aim to meet the Canadian Armed Forces' supply chain requirements.
- Partnership opportunities include collaborations with academia, industry, Canadian government agencies, and international allies.
- DRDC has specialized facilities and expertise that make it a preferred destination for collaborative research.
- Employee exchanges with industry through Interchange Canada support information transfer and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions about the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships?
Get the opportunity to collaborate in activities that support strategic objectives and develop new engagement mechanisms that will yield tangible defence research and technology to benefit all partners involved.
Who is eligible for the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships program?
To be eligible for the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships program, you must:
Partnerships with industry, academia, and other Canadian government departments and agencies are encouraged.
Engagements with allies through multilateral and bilateral arrangements may be considered.
What expenses are eligible under DRDC Defence Research Partnerships?
This grant aims to facilitate collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) through various research and partnership opportunities. Eligible activities include collaboration with industry, academia, government agencies, and international allies in the field of defence and security science and technology. Presenting a science or technology solution to DRDC that aligns with their strategic focus areas.
Engaging in research and innovation programs such as the Defence and Security Science and Technology (DSST) program and the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.
Participating in information and work exchanges, including technical exchanges and employee exchanges through Interchange Canada.
Exploring intellectual property opportunities through licensing and collaborative research agreements.
Applying for defence research grants and initiatives, including the NSERC/DND Alliance Grant and the Department of National Defence Research Initiative.
Participating in partner organization opportunities such as the Research Trainee Matching Program and the Joint Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Who can I contact for more information about the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships?
You can contact Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).
Where is the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships available?
The DRDC Defence Research Partnerships program is available across Canada.
Is the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships a grant, loan, or tax credit?
DRDC Defence Research Partnerships is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the DRDC Defence Research Partnerships?
DRDC Defence Research Partnerships is funded by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), Government of Canada