IDEaS — Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Concept Development
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Get funding for your CUAS concept development solutions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 15, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Department of National Defence
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive funding to advance your CUAS concepts that can detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS with systems that can be integrated into broader military command and control systems. Get the opportunity to mature your CUAS development concepts to a Technol
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports the development and maturation of innovative Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) concepts capable of detecting and defeating Micro and Mini UAS, aiming for integration into broader military command and control systems.
- Development of CUAS systems for static locations such as defending a Forward Operating Base or airfield.
- Design and implementation of vehicle-mounted CUAS systems to protect mobile vehicle forces.
- Creation of "Person Portable" CUAS solutions for defending dismounted personnel or VIP groups in isolated locations.
- Development of CUAS technologies suitable for urban environments with complex electromagnetic landscapes.
- Design of naval environment CUAS solutions to protect frigates both underway and at dock.
- Innovation in passive and active detection methodologies to enhance UAS detection capabilities.
- Conceptualization of "Soft-Kill" and "Hard-Kill" neutralization techniques for disabling or deterring UAS threats.
- Integration of CUAS systems with existing military command and control frameworks such as Link 16, SAPIENT, or NATO ACCS.
- Technological advancements for detecting and defeating UAS controlled by LTE/5G networks.
- Research into tracking and defeating swarms of UAS through advanced sensor networks and interceptors.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$850,000
Integration of CUAS capabilities with existing military command and control systems
$1,500,000
Development of a sensor network to detect and defeat Micro UAS in urban environments
$2,000,000
Creating a command center for monitoring and controlling CUAS operations
$1,600,000
Development of LTE/5G UAS detection capabilities
$2,000,000
Development of interceptor UAS for tracking and neutralizing mini UAS
$2,000,000
Research and development of hard-kill solutions for mini UAS
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and activity location.
- The applicant must be a legal entity duly incorporated and validly existing in Canada, including Canadian universities, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit companies, or government organizations.
- Individuals may apply if they meet the requirement of being legally incorporated and existing in Canada.
- International applicants may be eligible if they establish a legal entity duly incorporated and validly existing in Canada.
- Federal and provincial crown corporations are not eligible for funding.
- No more than 50 percent of eligible costs under the Contribution Agreement can be incurred outside of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible recipients of funding under an IDEaS Contribution Agreement (CA) must be a legal entity duly incorporated and validly existing in Canada, which includes Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada, incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organizations or associations, incorporated Canadian for-profit companies, organizations, or associations, provincial/territorial, or municipal government organizations, and individuals. International applicants may also be eligible, provided they establish a legal entity duly incorporated and validly existing in Canada. Federal and provincial crown corporations are not eligible for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific exclusions, primarily related to certain government-related entities. These restrictions ensure that funding is directed to viable entities capable of fulfilling the developmental objectives of the grant.
- Federal and provincial crown corporations are not eligible for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the development and success of CUAS concepts.
- Research and development costs for CUAS technologies.
- Prototyping and testing expenses associated with CUAS solutions.
- Personnel costs directly related to the project, including salaries and benefits.
- Materials and equipment specifically needed for project implementation.
- Travel expenses necessary for project execution, including attendance at related events or testing locations.
- Consultant fees for technical expertise necessary for the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies that are legal entities duly incorporated and existing in Canada. The eligibility aims to support Canadian innovation and defence capabilities.
- Companies and organizations incorporated in Canada.
- Individual entities legally existent and operating within Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The summary of the criteria is as follows:
- Critera 1: Relevance to CUAS challenge and military integration
- Criteria 2: Innovation and leapfrogging existing prototypes
- Criteria 3: Methodological differentiation for detecting and defeating UAS
- Criteria 4: Ability to address multiple operational scenarios effectively
- Criteria 5: Potential for integration into external command and control systems
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Applicant Guide
- Carefully read the Applicant Guide for Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Concept Development.
- Step 2: Complete Required Forms
- Download and complete the Concept Development Project Proposal Form.
- Complete the Concept Development Solution Technical Description Form.
- Fill out the Concept Development Budget and Eligible Expenditures Form. Contact IDEaSSandboxes-EnvironnementsprotegesIDEeS@forces.gc.ca to get a copy of this form if needed.
- Create a Concept Development Proposal Overview in PowerPoint format.
- Step 3: Register for epost Connect
- Create an epost Connect account with Canada Post Corporation (CPC) if you do not have one.
- If you do not have a Canadian mailing address, use the specified DND/CAF address for registration.
- Step 4: Request epost Connect Conversation
- Send an email to DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca to request an epost Connect conversation at least five business days before the deadline.
- The IDEaS program will initiate the epost Connect conversation, allowing for proposal submission.
- Step 5: Submit Proposal Using epost Connect
- Upload the full application package in the epost conversation before the CFP closing date and time.
- Receive a confirmation message and a file number once the application is submitted.
- Ensure the proposal contains full contact information.
- Proposals can be edited until the April 15, 2024 deadline at 2:00 PM EDT.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Successful applicants could potentially receive further funding of up to $2 million if their concepts are promising and successful after the initial funding period.
- Project proposals should demonstrate capabilities that are a significant improvement over existing technologies or address capabilities not currently available.
- Projects with integration into existing CAF command and control systems may have an increased chance of selection.
- Applicants should consider emerging UAS capabilities and how their solutions can evolve to meet future threats.
- Eligible applicants include legal entities incorporated and validly existing in Canada, with international applicants requiring a legal entity in Canada.
Apply to this program
Funding Opportunities for Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Innovations
With a mission to advance cutting-edge solutions in Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS), this grant offers substantial financial support for developing innovative concepts capable of integrating with broader military command and control systems. The initiative aims to enhance national defense capabilities against evolving aerial threats.
Detailed Overview of the CUAS Grant Program
The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are spearheading a significant funding program to stimulate the development of Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) technologies. This initiative addresses the growing need to detect and defeat Micro and Mini Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), which present increasing threats due to their enhanced capabilities such as reduced visibility and increased autonomy. This grant program is rooted in Canada's 2017 defense policy, "Strong, Secure, Engaged," and underscores the commitment to fortifying the nation's defense systems against modern threats.
The program is structured as a multi-stage process encouraging applicants to develop solutions from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 1-5 to a demonstration-ready solution of TRL 6 or higher. Successful applicants are initially eligible for funding up to $500,000 over a nine-month period, with the possibility of securing further funding up to $2 million depending on the project's promise as evaluated by the DND and CAF. The ultimate goal is to cultivate solutions that can not only detect and neutralize UAS threats but also be seamlessly integrated into existing military command structures such as Link 16 or NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS).
As part of the program's progression, projects that continue into Phase 2 after initial development will receive an additional funding package which may amount to $2,000,000 over an additional fifteen months. This further supports extensive research and refinement efforts to ensure solutions are robust and ready for practical implementation. Moreover, the IDEaS program emphasizes the need for solutions to be capable of functioning across diverse operational scenarios such as urban environments, naval operations, and mobile military contexts.
The main methodologies for CUAS technologies encouraged by the program include both active and passive detection systems, alongside soft-kill and hard-kill neutralization strategies. The focus is on developing systems that not only address current challenges but are also adaptable to future threats, thereby providing a versatile and comprehensive defense mechanism. This flexibility is critical for ongoing military operations where a multi-faceted approach to UAS threats is necessary.
To apply, eligible entities must be incorporated in Canada and can include companies, universities, and other organizations. The application process requires detailed project propositions outlining technical capabilities, innovative approaches, and alignment with strategic defense priorities. Successful applicants can leverage this funding to elevate their technological solutions, contributing significantly to national security and defense innovation.
This grant exemplifies Canada's strategic approach to enhancing its defense capabilities, emphasizing innovation and collaboration to stay ahead of emerging threats. It not only supports technological advancement but also fosters partnerships across various sectors, ultimately aiming to strengthen national security infrastructure while encouraging technological progress. For entities focused on defense technology innovation, this grant provides a critical pathway to funding and development, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of aerial defense solutions.
