How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is available to Canadian companies, aligning with the goals of fostering innovation within the country. Eligible locations are focused on Canadian regions to support defence and security advancements nationally.

All provinces and territories in Canada.
Companies registered and operating within Canada.

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$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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Here are the steps to submit an application for the IDEaS grant:

Step 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.
Step 2: Identify Relevant Opportunities
- Review current challenges and funding opportunities presented by IDEaS.
- Select the opportunity that aligns with your innovation and expertise.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

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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.

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Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Apply to this program

Empowering Innovation with the IDEaS Funding Program

The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program is an initiative by the Canadian Department of National Defence aimed at accelerating the development of cutting-edge technologies through various funding mechanisms. This program supports innovators in bringing their projects to life, facilitating advancements that address priority challenges within the defence and security sectors.

Understanding the Core Elements and Opportunities Provided by the IDEaS Program

The IDEaS program is a robust vehicle for fostering innovation within Canada's defence and security landscape. Its primary aim is to build a dynamic ecosystem of innovation driven by Canadian innovators who are poised to solve some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. By offering substantial financial support and opportunities for evaluation and feedback, the program ensures that promising technologies not only receive the funding they need to progress but are also guided by expert assessments, thus refining solutions to meet military standards and requirements.

The IDEaS program spans five tailored funding mechanisms designed to nurture innovation at various development stages. These include 'Competitive Projects,' which provide phased funding up to $1.2 million for developing technologies through stages, ensuring that the most viable solutions can reach the market effectively. This mechanism allows innovators to iteratively advance their solutions with assured financial backing, thus mitigating risk while enhancing the potential for success.

Additionally, 'Innovation Networks' allow for up to $3 million in funding to foster collaborations and the exchange of ideas that are imperative for groundbreaking innovations. These networks serve as collaborative spaces where multidisciplinary teams can converge, share, and develop ideas that might disrupt and redefine defence capabilities. The focus on collaborative efforts underscores the program’s commitment to holistic ecosystem development, ensuring that innovations are not siloed but rather integrated within a broader strategic context.

Another unique facet of the IDEaS program is its 'Contests,' which encourage healthy competition among innovators, thus encouraging a higher standard of innovation and creative solution-finding. These contests often revolve around specific thematic challenges, and they incentivize participants by not only financial rewards but also the prestige that comes from being recognized as the best in their field.

In terms of practical evaluation, the 'Sandboxes' offer a controlled environment where innovations can be rigorously tested. This initiative invites experts to assess the presented technologies, thus offering valuable feedback to the developers, ensuring the practical applicability and operational readiness of the solutions. Meanwhile, 'Test Drives' involve the Department of National Defence putting the technology through real-world paces, which can be seen as a definitive step in proving the readiness and robustness of a proposal.

The program thus bridges the critical gap between concept and deployment, ensuring that innovations are not only theoretical but practically deployable and impactful. Being part of the IDEaS program not only means beneficial funding but also receipt of strategic insights and access to a network that supports long-term innovation success.

Participants are encouraged to leverage the IDEaS program’s extensive resources and are invited to join the mailing list to stay informed about new Calls for Proposals and updates on ongoing initiatives. By aligning innovative pursuits with national defence needs, the IDEaS program brings together the collective ingenuity of Canadian thinkers, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and contributes significantly to national security and resilience.