Closed
IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security
Funding defence innovation and security solutions
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : April 28, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The IDEaS program offers up to $1.2M for Competitive Projects and up to $3M for Innovation Networks. It supports defence and security solutions through challenges, contests, sandboxes, and test drives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : April 28, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Develop technologies for defence and security challenges.
- Join Innovation Networks for research collaboration.
- Participate in contests to advance innovative solutions.
- Test and refine technologies in sandboxes or test drives.
Documents Needed
- Proposal form
- Applicant guide
- Company one-pager
- Test plan template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies and businesses.
- Academic and research institutions in Canada.
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- Innovators and entrepreneurs.
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 geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the challenge topic.
- Innovation and potential impact.
- Feasibility and implementation plan.
- Technical merit and readiness.
- Market potential and long-term value for Canada.
How to apply
1
Get Informed
- Visit the IDEaS program website to explore the application process and funding mechanisms.
- Join the mailing list for updates on new Calls for Proposals.
2
Identify Relevant Opportunities
- Review current challenges and funding opportunities presented by IDEaS.
- Select the opportunity that aligns with your innovation and expertise.
3
Prepare Proposal
- Develop a detailed project proposal, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Include necessary supporting documents such as budgets, certifications, and demonstration of capabilities.
4
Draft Application
- Complete the application forms as required by the specific funding mechanism.
- Ensure all sections are filled accurately and all required attachments are included.
5
Submit Application
- Submit your application through the designated submission portal on the IDEaS website.
- Verify submission and check for a confirmation receipt to ensure the application has been received.
6
Await Feedback
- Monitor communications from IDEaS for feedback or requests for additional information.
- Prepare to address any follow-up requests promptly to facilitate the evaluation process.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against the challenge or contest requirements.
- Some programs use a stage-gated evaluation and selection process.
- Successful applicants may be invited to later rounds, demonstrations, or pitch events.
- Funding agreements are issued before financial support is provided.
Additional information
- Innovators may receive feedback from military experts.
- The program supports networking with other innovators and stakeholders.
- IDEaS hosts and participates in defence innovation events.
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 for Defence Excellence and Security Program
What is the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security?
The IDEaS program offers up to $1.2M for Competitive Projects and up to $3M for Innovation Networks. It supports defence and security solutions through challenges, contests, sandboxes, and test drives.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program, you must:
Canadian innovators only
Defence and security focus
Mechanism-specific eligibility
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security?
Develop technologies for defence and security challenges.
Join Innovation Networks for research collaboration.
Participate in contests to advance innovative solutions.
Test and refine technologies in sandboxes or test drives.
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security?
You can contact Department of National Defence (DND).
Where is the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security available?
The IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security is a Grant and Funding