
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Canada
Funding projects for innovative defence and security solutions
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Department of National Defence
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Check out current and future challenges and submit your ideas for a chance to get money to pursue your ideas and help the Canadian Armed Forces solve defence and security issues.
grant_single_labels|projects
The IDEaS program supports Canadian innovators in addressing defence and security challenges. It offers various mechanisms to propel technological development and foster innovation through collaboration and competition.
- Development of technologies through Competitive Projects with phased funding up to $1.2 million.
- Creation of Innovation Networks to facilitate idea exchange, backed by funding up to $3 million.
- Participation in Contests to compete for the advancement of innovative solutions.
- Engagement in Sandboxes for real-world testing and development of technologies with expert support.
- Implementation of Test Drives by the Department of National Defence to evaluate and refine technology solutions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 750,000
Develop an AI-powered software to detect unmanned underwater threats
$ 1,800,000
Establishment of an innovation lab for defense technology
$ 500,000
Development of an advanced drone system for surveillance in challenging terrains
$ 700,000
Designing a mobile app for real-time disaster response coordination
$ 1,000,000
Creation of a secure communication platform for military units
$ 800,000
Creating a cybersecurity network to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The IDEaS program allows applications from a wide range of participants including industry members, academia, and other innovators who focus on defence and security.Eligible applicants typically include:- Canadian companies and businesses engaged in technology development.- Academic and research institutions based in Canada.- Not-for-profit organizations involved in security and defence research.- Innovators and entrepreneurs who are able to bring new ideas and concepts that align with national defence and security priorities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is designed to support Canadian innovators in addressing defence and security challenges. It aligns with national interests in fostering technological advancements and strategic innovations.
- Organizations based in Canada.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|apply
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Participants have access to feedback from military experts, which can enhance the development of their technologies.
- The IDEaS program promotes networking, offering opportunities to build partnerships with other innovators and stakeholders in the defence sector.
- There are various events hosted or participated in by IDEaS to foster defence innovation, which participants can attend.
Apply to this program
More grants like this

Other Supportgrant_card_status|open
Access wireless spectrum to test a business idea


Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and Collaborationgrant_card_status|open
Accelerate your path to commercialization

Expert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Support for high-growth science and technology companies

Expert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Support for technology startups

Expert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Support for technological innovation projects

Wage Subsidies And Internsgrant_card_status|open
Wage subsidy for developing tech talent

Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Funding to support a healthy information ecosystem

Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Funding for demonstration projects in transportation

Other Supportgrant_card_status|open
Skilled foreign workers to help innovative firms grow