Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Q: How much funding can be received?

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: 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

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is funded by Department of National Defence, Government of Canada

Q: 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: • The applicant must be a Canadian innovator providing solutions to defence and security challenges. • The project should address a specific challenge faced by the Canadian Armed Forces. • The applicant is encouraged to have technology ready for testing and feedback.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

You can contact Department of National Defence.

Q: Where is the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) available?

The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding projects for innovative defence and security solutions

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : November 14, 2019

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration

Funds Providers

Department of National Defence

Government of Canada

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Identify Relevant Opportunities

Review current challenges and funding opportunities presented by IDEaS.
Select the opportunity that aligns with your innovation and expertise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional information

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.

Documents and links

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Apply to this program

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)?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

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.