Closed
Source verified October 2, 2026
IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption
Funding for defence autonomy research and adoption
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Funding available
$ 6,750,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
IDEaS supports research on autonomous systems for defence and security, with a focus on trust and barriers to adoption. The program funds multidisciplinary micro-net research projects and related innovation activities, with a maximum of $3 million per proposal.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 6,750,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Trust and confidence in autonomous systems.
- Understanding joint cognitive systems and human-machine teaming.
- Robustness and reliability of autonomous systems in degraded environments.
- Adoption strategies of autonomous systems, including integration within larger systems.
- Defence and security-related tasks and concepts that could benefit from autonomous systems.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Academic institutions
- Industry partners
- Other collaborating organizations
Who is not eligible
- Federal government departments and agencies
- Federal Crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Research and collaboration costs.
- Knowledge transfer and publication-related costs.
- Training and development of highly qualified personnel.
Selection criteria
- Interdisciplinary value added by the team.
- Relevance to the challenge and defence/security needs.
- Progress toward the expected TRL range.
- Potential to advance knowledge and train highly qualified personnel.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the challenge details
- Read the challenge description and related guidance.
- Check the expected Technology Readiness Level range.
- Step 2: Form a micro-net
- Build a multidisciplinary team with at least three distinct organizations.
- Designate the principal applicant where required.
- Step 3: Prepare the proposal
- Develop the research proposal and supporting application materials.
- Follow the challenge-specific instructions in the application guide.
- Step 4: Submit through the program process
- Use the web application process for the specific IDEaS opportunity.
- Submit the application according to the posted opportunity instructions.
- Step 5: Await review
- The proposal is assessed by experts as part of the selection process.
- Applicants are notified of the outcome.
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by subject matter experts.
- Applicants are informed whether their proposal may receive funding.
- Selected innovators may interact with MDN and CAF experts.
- Funding decisions do not guarantee future acquisition or further action.
Additional information
- The program supports both technological and non-technological solutions when appropriate.
- Proposals are expected to align with Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 6.
- IDEaS is not open to unsolicited proposals for some elements.
- Applicants may receive feedback from defence experts during the process.
Contacts
Other components of this program
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Frequently Asked Questions about the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption Program
What is the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption?
IDEaS supports research on autonomous systems for defence and security, with a focus on trust and barriers to adoption. The program funds multidisciplinary micro-net research projects and related innovation activities, with a maximum of $3 million per proposal.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption Funds up to $6,750,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption program, you must:
Multidisciplinary team
At least 3 organizations
Autonomous systems research
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption?
Trust and confidence in autonomous systems.
Understanding joint cognitive systems and human-machine teaming.
Robustness and reliability of autonomous systems in degraded environments.
Adoption strategies of autonomous systems, including integration within larger systems.
Defence and security-related tasks and concepts that could benefit from autonomous systems.
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.
Where is the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption available?
The IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to Adoption is a Researchers And Facilities