Closed
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Funding defence innovation and security solutions
Last Update: May 28, 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
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
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.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?
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?
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program?
To be eligible for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, you must:
Canadian innovators only
Defence and security focus
Mechanism-specific eligibility
What expenses are eligible under Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?
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 Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?
You can contact Department of National Defence (DND).
Where is the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) available?
The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program is available across Canada.
Is the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is a Grant and Funding