Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
At a glance
- 100% of project cost
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Department of National Defence
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
IDEaS program provides funding to Canadian innovators to solve defence and security challenges through various mechanisms. Eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Applicants must be Canadian innovators.
- Projects must align with defence and security challenges.
- Specific eligibility criteria may vary based on the funding mechanism chosen.
Who is eligible
Any Canadian company, including small and medium-sized enterprises, academia, and other organizations, can apply for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) grant. The program is open to a wide range of innovators who can contribute to solving defence and security challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program:
- Research and development costs
- Prototyping and testing expenses
- Technology demonstration costs
- Networking and collaboration expenses
- Travel costs related to project implementation
Eligible projects & activities
There are projects and activities eligible for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) grant program, which includes opportunities such as Competitive Projects, Innovation Networks, Contests, Sandboxes, and Test Drives to assist Canadian innovators in addressing defence and security challenges.
- Competitive Projects: Up to $1.2M in phased development funding to propel technology forward.
- Innovation Networks: Up to $3M to stimulate the free flow of ideas critical for innovations.
- Contests: Competition between innovators to foster the best innovative solutions.
- Sandboxes: Collaboration with experts to explore and test technology solutions.
- Test Drives: Evaluation of technologies by the Department of National Defence.
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the IDEaS program:
- Relevance to Defence and Security Challenges
- Innovation and Technical Merit
- Impact and Benefits
- Feasibility and Implementation
- Team and Partnership
How to apply
- Visit the IDEaS website (https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas.html) for information on current opportunities and eligibility requirements.
- Review the available funding mechanisms provided by IDEaS to determine which best fits your project.
- Register for an account on the IDEaS portal to access the application forms and submission process.
- Submit a proposal according to the guidelines and deadlines outlined for the specific funding opportunity.
- Engage with the IDEaS team for any clarifications or feedback on your proposal.
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Grant Summary
Overview of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is a comprehensive funding program that goes beyond financial support. It aims to accelerate innovative concepts and propel solutions forward, cultivating a robust defence innovation ecosystem. The program offers various funding mechanisms, including Competitive Projects with up to $1.2 million in phased development funding, Innovation Networks providing up to $3 million to stimulate idea exchange critical for innovations, Contests to foster innovative solutions through competition, Sandboxes where experts collaborate with innovators to refine technologies, and Test Drives where the Department of National Defence evaluates technologies thoroughly. IDEaS aims to enable Canadian innovators to address defence and security challenges effectively by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities.
Benefits of IDEaS Program
The IDEaS program is designed to support Canadian innovators in advancing their research and technology solutions to address challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces. By participating in IDEaS, innovators have the opportunity to receive funding, feedback from military experts, and access to a network of like-minded individuals working towards enhancing defence and security capabilities. The program's competitive projects provide substantial funding to propel technological advancements, while innovation networks facilitate collaboration and idea exchange to drive innovation in the defence sector. Contests encourage innovators to compete and showcase their creative solutions, leading to the development of cutting-edge technologies that can benefit the defence industry. Additionally, sandboxes offer a collaborative environment where experts work alongside innovators to refine technologies, while test drives provide a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of developed solutions. By engaging with IDEaS, innovators can not only receive financial support but also gain valuable insights, expert feedback, and opportunities to showcase their innovations within the defence innovation ecosystem.
How IDEaS Works
IDEaS operates through a series of funding mechanisms designed to assist Canadian innovators in solving defence and security challenges. The program's competitive projects provide substantial funding of up to $1.2 million in phased development, enabling innovators to advance their technologies and solutions. Innovation networks offer up to $3 million to stimulate the free flow of ideas critical for driving innovation in defence and security. Contests encourage competition among innovators, fostering the development of innovative solutions that address specific challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces. Sandboxes provide a collaborative space where experts collaborate with innovators to refine technologies and enhance their capabilities, while test drives ensure that technologies undergo thorough evaluation by the Department of National Defence to meet stringent performance standards. Through these funding mechanisms, IDEaS aims to support Canadian innovators in developing cutting-edge solutions that contribute to the defence and security of the nation, while also fostering collaboration, idea exchange, and networking opportunities within the defence innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is a dynamic funding program that seeks to accelerate innovative concepts and propel solutions forward within the defence innovation ecosystem. By offering various funding mechanisms, including competitive projects, innovation networks, contests, sandboxes, and test drives, IDEaS provides Canadian innovators with the resources, expertise, and networking opportunities needed to address defence and security challenges effectively. Through collaboration, competition, and innovation, IDEaS aims to drive technological advancements, enhance the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, and foster a culture of innovation within the defence industry.
