Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest
Advanced object detection for defence operations
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: July 18, 2026Latest change: The challenge content now centers on a new AI compliance and multi-sensor fusion use case, with updated eligibility, application instructions, and a new submission deadline of July 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 18, 2026
Latest change: The challenge content now centers on a new AI compliance and multi-sensor fusion use case, with updated eligibility, application instructions, and a new submission deadline of July 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.
IDEaS challenge updated for new AI compliance and fusion focus
The challenge content now presents a new IDEaS topic focused on real-time AI compliance for multi-sensor, multi-domain fusion, replacing the earlier object-detection framing with a different scope and target use case. It also adds updated eligibility language, directs applicants to CanadaBuys through a new portal transition note, and sets the Call for Proposals opening for June 4, 2026 with a submission deadline of July 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT. The page also now describes the required challenge outcomes, including machine-readable policy enforcement, provenance records, and audit logs for fusion processing. Funding structure remains described by TRL stage, with up to $250,000 for TRL 1-3, up to $1.5 million for TRL 4-5, and up to $5 million for TRL 6-9.
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial or municipal government organizations, and industry.
See full eligibility
Overview
IDEaS – Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest offers total funding of $5.8 million to individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial or municipal government organizations, and industry. It supports solutions that detect, recognize, identify, and track persons or objects of interest using multiple sensors and seamless information sharing.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Detect, recognize, and identify persons or objects of interest in a physical environment.
- Track identified persons and objects of interest using seamless information sharing across a decision network.
- Support real-time identification and tracking of objects for timely decision making.
- Leverage and fuse multiple sensor and data sources.
- Enable operations in complex environments, including urban settings with cooperative and non-cooperative targets.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial or municipal government organizations, and industry.
Who is not eligible
- Federal and provincial crown corporations.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Broader social media analytics or full motion video (FMV) analysis and associated automation algorithms.
How to apply
- Consult the Solicitation Guide available on CanadaBuys.
Processing and Agreement
- Solutions will be assessed throughout their funding period and at the end of each component.
- Depending on their component, some solutions may be considered for further component funding or funding through other IDEaS program elements.
- Innovators may be invited to showcase their solutions to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces if the solution has advanced significantly.
Additional information
- The challenge applies to day and night situations, including adverse weather conditions and noise.
- Proposals should address privacy and ethical concerns.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- IDEaS - Autonomous Systems for Defence and Security: Trust and Barriers to AdoptionFunding for defence autonomy research and adoption
- IDEaS - Best of both worlds: Human autonomy teaming for effective decision makingFunding for trusted human-autonomy teaming solutions
- IDEaS - Better than Meets the Eye: Reliable Object Detection Amongst the WavesMaritime object detection innovation challenge
- IDEaS - Beyond GPS: Quantum solutions for next generation multistatic radar systemsQuantum solutions for synchronized radar systems
- IDEaS - Challenge: Understanding cyber intentFunding for cyber threat detection innovations
- IDEaS - Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Hazard Detection and PlanningInnovative CBR threat detection solutions
- IDEaS - Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiorityCounter-UAS solutions for military integration
- IDEaS - Collaboration of Robotic SystemsSupport for advanced robotic control solutions
- IDEaS - Competitive ProjectsPhased funding for defence and security innovation
- IDEaS - Competitive Projects — Reliable AI sensor fusion for real world missionsPhased funding for AI compliance in sensor fusion
Frequently Asked Questions about the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest Program
What is the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest?
IDEaS – Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest offers total funding of $5.8 million to individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial or municipal government organizations, and industry. It supports solutions that detect, recognize, identify, and track persons or objects of interest using multiple sensors and seamless information sharing.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest Funds up to $5,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest program, you must:
Innovators can propose solutions at all stages of development.
Solutions can enter any funding component based on their Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest?
Detect, recognize, and identify persons or objects of interest in a physical environment.
Track identified persons and objects of interest using seamless information sharing across a decision network.
Support real-time identification and tracking of objects for timely decision making.
Leverage and fuse multiple sensor and data sources.
Enable operations in complex environments, including urban settings with cooperative and non-cooperative targets.
Where is the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest available?
The IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest?
IDEaS - Detection and Classification of Objects of Interest is funded by Government of Canada, Department of National Defence (DND)