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MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System
Arctic uncrewed aircraft prototype development for defence operations
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Funding available
$ 500,000
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit businesses incorporated in Canada that are small or medium-sized businesses with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and meet the stated Canadian operations and workforce requirements.
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Overview
The MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System provides Phase 2 contract funding of up to $500,000 CAD for eligible Canadian businesses developing a domestically produced uncrewed aircraft system for Canadian Army intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic conditions. Prototype projects must address demanding Arctic operations, including extreme cold, ruggedness, and effective field use.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Phase 2 prototype development of an uncrewed aircraft system for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic operational conditions.
Documents Needed
- Completed Challenge Stream Submission Form
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses incorporated in Canada that are small or medium-sized businesses with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and meet the stated Canadian operations and workforce requirements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Applicants must be incorporated in Canada.
- The applicant’s research and development activities must take place in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Mandatory criteria are assessed on a pass/fail basis, including whether the proposal addresses the challenge’s Essential Outcomes, demonstrates feasibility at TRL 5 to 9 inclusive, and meets an Innovative Solutions Canada definition of innovation.
- For the state-of-the-art criterion, proposals may receive 0, 5, 12, or 20 points based on demonstrated improvements and competitive advantages.
- Additional Outcomes are scored from 0 to 10 points; if no Additional Outcomes are identified in the Challenge Notice, applicants receive 10 points.
- Science and technology risks, project risks, inclusivity, and financial controls are each scored from 0 to 10 points; the project plan, implementation team, and commercialization strategy are each scored from 0 to 20 points.
- Proposals must achieve at least 65 of 130 possible points to be deemed responsive.
How to apply
- Complete the Challenge Stream Submission Form with enough information for Canada to assess the proposal against the criteria and Evaluation Schema.
Processing and Agreement
- The kick-off meeting, any progress review meetings, and the final review meeting will be conducted by telephone or videoconference.
Additional information
- Prototype demonstrations require travel to Suffield, Alberta.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System Program
What is the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System?
The MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System provides Phase 2 contract funding of up to $500,000 CAD for eligible Canadian businesses developing a domestically produced uncrewed aircraft system for Canadian Army intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic conditions. Prototype projects must address demanding Arctic operations, including extreme cold, ruggedness, and effective field use.
How much funding can be received?
MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System program?
To be eligible for the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System program, you must:
The applicant must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The applicant’s research and development activities must take place in Canada.
At least 50% of the applicant’s wages, full-time equivalent employees, and senior executives must meet the specified Canada-based requirements.
What expenses are eligible under MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System?
Phase 2 prototype development of an uncrewed aircraft system for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in Arctic operational conditions.
Where is the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System available?
The MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System program is available across Canada.
Is the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System a grant, loan, or tax credit?
MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System?
MINERVA Initiative – Arctic Uncrewed Air System is funded by Innovation Canada