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High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul
Develop HAPS-based ultra-long-range wireless backhaul communications
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Deadline
December 1, 2026
Opened October 20, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit businesses incorporated in Canada, federally or provincially, with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
See full eligibility
Overview
The High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) for Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) Wireless Backhaul challenge offers up to CAD 2,000,000 in Phase 2 contract funding to Canadian-incorporated small and medium-sized businesses for prototype development. Projects develop HAPS systems to extend ultra-long-range wireless backhaul, including high-bandwidth connectivity for remote and isolated regions.
/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 : 2,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Develop a Phase 2 prototype solution using High-Altitude Platform Systems to extend ultra-long-range wireless backhaul beyond the horizon.
- Demonstrate the prototype’s HAPS capabilities at a demonstration site.
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses incorporated in Canada, federally or provincially, with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada: the applicant’s research and development activities must take place in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Proposals must pass all mandatory criteria to proceed to point-rated assessment.
- Point-rated criteria include the solution’s response to additional outcomes, scientific and technological risks, project risks, project plan, implementation team, inclusivity, financial controls, and commercialization strategy.
- Applicants must achieve at least 65 of 130 possible points to be considered responsive.
- State-of-the-art advancement is scored from 0 to 20 points based on demonstrated improvements and competitive advantages.
- Post-evaluation selection prioritizes firms with a demonstrated research and development track record in long endurance, long range or high-altitude platforms and wireless backhaul technologies.
How to apply
- Submit a solution proposal through the challenge portal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul Program
What is the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul?
The High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) for Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) Wireless Backhaul challenge offers up to CAD 2,000,000 in Phase 2 contract funding to Canadian-incorporated small and medium-sized businesses for prototype development. Projects develop HAPS systems to extend ultra-long-range wireless backhaul, including high-bandwidth connectivity for remote and isolated regions.
How much funding can be received?
High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul Funds up to $2,000,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul program?
To be eligible for the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul program, you must:
The applicant must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada with 499 or fewer FTE employees.
The applicant’s research and development activities must take place in Canada.
The specified Canadian workforce and senior executive thresholds must be met.
Who can I contact for more information about the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Where is the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul available?
The High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul program is available across Canada.
Is the High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul a grant, loan, or tax credit?
High-Altitude Platform System Ultra-Long-Range Wireless Backhaul is a Other Support