
Closed
IDEaS - Innovation Networks
Collaborative defence research for Canadian innovators
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Non-repayable funding supports Canadian university-led research micro-networks. The program funds collaborative defence and security research in areas such as trust in autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, and related testing and development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
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
- Collaborative research micro-networks for defence and security challenges.
- Research and development on TRL 1 to 6 solutions.
- Basic and applied research, technology development, and knowledge transfer.
- Testing and validation in simulated or laboratory environments.
Documents Needed
- Completed Innovation Networks Proposal Form.
- List of partner organizations and institutions.
- Work plan with project activities and budget.
- Supporting details for the proposed research and development approach.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities.
- Canadian incorporated for-profit organizations.
- Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
- Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal government organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations.
- People employed by federal departments, agencies, or crown corporations.
- Post-doctoral fellows as lead applicants or partners.
- Adjunct professors as lead applicants.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for students, research assistants, and technical staff.
- Equipment purchases or rentals.
- Professional or consultant services from third parties.
- Research and development expenses, including lab analysis, materials, travel, publication, outreach, communication, and data acquisition.
- Administrative overhead and intellectual property protection costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- In-kind contributions.
- Salaries and benefits for university investigators already paid directly and continuously by the university.
- Land or building purchases, and moving a lab.
- Hospitality, gifts, alcohol, and entertainment.
- Patent fees, lobbying, and direct marketing or promotion.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by subject matter experts and may include other government representatives or external consultants.
- Only proposals meeting mandatory and point-rated criteria enter the pre-qualified pool.
- Selected applicants may be asked for additional information and further financial or technical assessments.
- Applicants invited to fund will sign a contribution agreement before funding is issued.
- Final funding decisions are considered final and there is no appeal process.
Contacts
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 superiorityFunding for next-generation EMS management solutions
- 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 - Innovation Networks Program
What is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks?
Non-repayable funding supports Canadian university-led research micro-networks. The program funds collaborative defence and security research in areas such as trust in autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, and related testing and development.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Innovation Networks Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation Networks program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation Networks program, you must:
Multidisciplinary team
Canadian university lead
TRL 1 to 6
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Innovation Networks?
Collaborative research micro-networks for defence and security challenges.
Research and development on TRL 1 to 6 solutions.
Basic and applied research, technology development, and knowledge transfer.
Testing and validation in simulated or laboratory environments.
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Innovation Networks?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at IDEaS-IN.IDEeS-RI@forces.gc.ca or by phone at 613-992-0996.
Where is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks available?
The IDEaS - Innovation Networks program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Innovation Networks is a Partnering and Collaboration