Closed
Source verified August 18, 2026
IDEaS - Sandboxes
Test CUAS solutions in a defence environment
Get notified when IDEaS - Sandboxes reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The RF Data Fusion for Command and Control closing date moved to 2026-10-29, and a new Enhancing medical capability in austere environments opportunity row was added.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The RF Data Fusion for Command and Control closing date moved to 2026-10-29, and a new Enhancing medical capability in austere environments opportunity row was added.
IDEaS opportunities updated
On the IDEaS Opportunities page, the RF Data Fusion for Command and Control opportunity now closes on 2026-10-29 instead of 2026-10-20. The page also now includes an Enhancing medical capability in austere environments opportunity row, with an open date of 2026-08-27 and a close date of 2026-10-08.
Funding available
$ 1,750,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
IDEaS - Sandboxes supports innovative CUAS solutions to detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS for DND and CAF operational needs. It funds travel-related costs, offers access to a fully equipped test environment, and provides opportunities for prize awards for selected solutions.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,750,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Test and demonstrate prototype CUAS solutions
- Detect, track, and identify micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems in an urban environment
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Test plan template
- Company and technology one-pager
- DND 552 spectrum form, if applicable
- Real video of the solution in operation
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals
- Academia
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Industry of any size
- Provincial, territorial, and municipal organizations
- Foreign companies
Who is not eligible
- Federal government departments and agencies
- Federal Crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Travel, accommodation, and living expenses
- Shipping and transportation of equipment
- Pre-approved consumables used during demonstrations
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs not directly attributable to attending the Sandbox
- Internal preparation travel before the Sandbox
- Equipment damage or loss
- Expenses above the stated cost ceiling
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Suffield, Alberta
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the CUAS challenge
- TRL 4 or higher, with TRL 5 achieved before attendance if starting from TRL 4
- Safety and feasibility of the proposed test plan
- Minimum range requirement of 100 metres
- Alignment with CAF future force and implementation capacity
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the Applicant Guide and challenge details
- Read the Sandbox guide and all application requirements.
- Step 2: Complete the application package
- Fill out the application form.
- Prepare the test plan template.
- Prepare the company and technology one-pager.
- Complete DND Form 552 if your solution emits RF energy.
- Prepare a short real video showing the solution in operation.
- Step 3: Request a submission account
- Email the Sandbox team to request a PriviDox account.
- Wait for the automated account activation emails.
- Step 4: Submit through PriviDox
- Upload all required files to your company folder in PriviDox.
- Submit before the posted deadline.
- Wait for the confirmation email receipt.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and ranked through a selection process.
- Selected applicants are notified by email approximately six to eight weeks after the call closes.
- Invited applicants must accept within five business days.
- After acceptance, pre-Sandbox preparations and final test planning take place.
- After the Sandbox, a written report is provided for each participant.
Additional information
- Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.
- Selected participants must complete pre-Sandbox preparations, shipping, and travel.
- Participants may be asked to respond to IDEaS surveys for up to two years after completion.
- Access to information and security screening apply to applicants and participants.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
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- IDEaS - Competitive ProjectsPhased funding for defence and security innovation
Frequently Asked Questions about the IDEaS - Sandboxes Program
What is the IDEaS - Sandboxes?
IDEaS - Sandboxes supports innovative CUAS solutions to detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS for DND and CAF operational needs. It funds travel-related costs, offers access to a fully equipped test environment, and provides opportunities for prize awards for selected solutions.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Sandboxes Funds up to $1,750,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Sandboxes program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Sandboxes program, you must:
TRL 5 or higher
Applicant owns IP
Aligns with CUAS challenge
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Sandboxes?
Test and demonstrate prototype CUAS solutions
Detect, track, and identify micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems in an urban environment
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Sandboxes?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at DEaSSandboxes-environnementsprotegesIDEeS@forces.gc.ca.
Where is the IDEaS - Sandboxes available?
The IDEaS - Sandboxes program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Sandboxes a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Sandboxes is a Grant and Funding