Closed
Source verified October 4, 2026
IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets
Quantum defence research network funding
Offered by
Get notified when IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets reopens
Funding available
$ 3,000,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada
See full eligibility
Overview
Non-repayable support for quantum defence innovation networks. Up to $3 million funds collaborative research, prototyping, testing, and related outreach on quantum sensing, communications, and computing.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Research and development on quantum technologies for defence and security.
- Concept design, proof of concept, systems development, testing, and prototyping.
- Scientific conferences and public outreach.
Documents Needed
- Completed Letter of Intent form
- Completed full proposal form
- Letters of support from other funders, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada
- Incorporated for-profit organizations
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial, territorial, and municipal government organizations
- International universities and educational institutions
Who is not eligible
- Post-doctoral fellows
- University investigators receiving direct and continuous salary through their university
- Non-Canadian affiliated participants may be rejected at DND's discretion
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for students, research assistants, and technical staff
- Equipment purchases or rentals
- Consulting, lab analysis, materials, travel, and communication costs
- Administrative overhead
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Salaries for university investigators already paid directly by the university
- In-kind contributions
- Land, buildings, and lab relocation
- Lobbying, direct marketing, and regular business costs
- Patent fees and other non-essential costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Québec applicants may be subject to additional provincial authorization requirements
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the S&T challenge
- Innovation and novelty
- Scientific quality and feasibility
- Management capacity and collaboration
- GBA+ considerations and sustainability
How to apply
- Step 1: Create a CPC Connect account
- Register with Canada Post Connect if you do not already have an account.
- Step 2: Request a Connect conversation
- Email IDEaS and provide the CPC Connect email address.
- Make the request at least three business days before the closing date and time.
- Step 3: Submit the Letter of Intent or proposal
- Upload the required form through the Connect conversation.
- Wait for the confirmation message from DND.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed in two stages: Letter of Intent and full proposal.
- Only eligible LOIs are invited to submit a full proposal.
- Full proposals are assessed by subject-matter experts and then reviewed for funding consideration.
- Selected applicants are invited to sign a contribution agreement with DND.
- No funding commitment exists until the agreement is signed.
Additional information
- Applicants must use the CPC Connect service for submission.
- Questions about the call must be sent to IDEaS by email before the deadline window.
- Funded projects will be announced on the IDEaS website.
- The initial recipient must manage funding and reporting for ultimate recipients.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Counter uncrewed aerial systems (urban) sandbox 2027Urban counter-drone testing opportunity
- 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 superiorityCounter-UAS solutions for military integration
- IDEaS - Collaboration of Robotic SystemsSupport for advanced robotic control solutions
- IDEaS - Competitive ProjectsPhased funding for defence and security innovation
Frequently Asked Questions about the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets Program
What is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets?
Non-repayable support for quantum defence innovation networks. Up to $3 million funds collaborative research, prototyping, testing, and related outreach on quantum sensing, communications, and computing.
How much funding can be received?
IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets program?
To be eligible for the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets program, you must:
Three eligible organizations minimum
Canadian university leads the team
Quantum defence S&T focus
What expenses are eligible under IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets?
Research and development on quantum technologies for defence and security.
Concept design, proof of concept, systems development, testing, and prototyping.
Scientific conferences and public outreach.
Who can I contact for more information about the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at IDEaS-IN.IDEeS-RI@forces.gc.ca or by phone at 613-992-0996.
Where is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets available?
The IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets program is available across Canada.
Is the IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets a grant, loan, or tax credit?
IDEaS - Innovation Networks: Micro-nets is a Researchers And Facilities