ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
AI solutions for research security and open-source intelligence advancement
ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $1,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 3, 2025
- Closing date : August 14, 2025
Financing Type
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Status
Open
Overview of the ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence program
The ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence program offers up to $1,500,000 CAD for innovative AI-driven solutions to enhance risk analysis and due diligence using open-source intelligence. Eligible activities include the development of advanced platforms for real-time analysis, relationship mapping, and multilingual data processing to strengthen research security in Canada.
Financing terms and conditions
- The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 contract is $1,500,000 CAD, excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel, and living expenses as required.
- The maximum duration for any Phase 2 contract is up to 12 months (not including the time for submitting the final report).
- Only one Phase 2 contract will be awarded for this challenge.
- Travel expenses may be required under the funding for activities based at M55, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario.
Eligible projects & activities
- Development of AI-driven platforms for enhanced open-source intelligence due diligence.
- Creation of multilingual analytics tools to map public data relationships and identify risk indicators in real time.
- Implementation of dynamic knowledge graph technology to assess security risks in research and development affiliations.
- Integration of ethical AI governance and privacy-compliant user management within digital risk assessment solutions.
- Prototyping of browser-based applications that support research security through analysis of diverse public information sources.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 1,190,000
Integrate knowledge graphs for automated R&D partner risk detection
$ 1,030,000
Create privacy-compliant AI pipeline for automated due diligence
$ 1,400,000
Develop AI-powered tool for real-time multilingual risk analytics
$ 1,165,000
Build dynamic multilingual dashboard for research affiliations oversight
$ 1,300,000
Deploy cloud-based multilingual OSINT analytics for compliance monitoring
$ 890,000
Prototype browser app for secure OSINT R&D affiliation analysis
Eligibility criteria of the ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence program
- The applicant must be a for-profit small business incorporated in Canada (either federally or provincially).
- The business must have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, including those in affiliated businesses.
- Research and development activities must take place in Canada.
- At least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees must be paid to employees and contractors who perform the majority of their work in Canada.
- At least 50% of FTE employees and 50% or more of senior executives (Vice President and above) must have Canada as their principal place of work or residence.
Who is eligible?
- For-profit small businesses incorporated in Canada
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and benefits directly related to prototype development.
- Purchase of equipment and materials required for the R&D project.
- Travel and living expenses necessary for project implementation (as required and pre-approved).
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially), including all provinces and territories.
Eligibility criteria of the ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence program
- Clarity in addressing all essential outcomes of the challenge (Mandatory – Pass/Fail).
- Proof of feasibility and demonstration that the current technology readiness level (TRL) is between 5 and 9 (Mandatory – Pass/Fail).
- Degree of innovation, as defined by the program (Mandatory – Pass/Fail).
- Competitive advantages and advancement over existing technologies (0, 5, 12, or 20 points).
- Feasibility of the Phase 2 project plan (0, 10, or 20 points).
How to apply to the ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence program
1
Review challenge and eligibility requirements
- Review the official solicitation documents for the challenge
- Check eligibility criteria and funding details
- Access the challenge on the official platform
2
Access proposal submission system
- Log in or create an account on the proposal submission portal
- Access relevant submission forms and tender notices
- Prepare to draft your proposal
3
Prepare and complete submission form
- Complete the Challenge Stream Submission Form
- Demonstrate how your solution meets essential and additional outcomes
- Address all mandatory and point-rated evaluation criteria
- Provide evidence for innovation and proposed improvements
4
Review and finalize proposal
- Ensure all sections of your proposal are complete
- Review documents for compliance with eligibility and criteria
- Finalize supporting documentation
5
Submit your application online
- Submit the completed proposal and all required documents through the official portal before the deadline
- Confirm submission via portal notification
6
Wait for evaluation and results
- Wait for evaluation by the grant authority
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Monitor portal for status updates on your application
Additional information
- Travel to Ottawa, Ontario, may be required during Phase 2.
- The application must not retain any digital footprint of user sessions when exporting search query results.
- Server infrastructure for the application must be located within Canada.
- Only one contract per company can be awarded per phase per challenge.
Contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
SIC-ISC@pwgsc.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Tax CreditsOpen
Ontario, Canada
Refundable tax credit for R&D in Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funds to accelerate business growth in Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Cost-share funding for rural economic development
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for businesses in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Support for digital modernization for SMEs in Ontario
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Ontario, Canada
Pool of underrepresented talent in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Enhance food safety systems, adopt new technologies, and drive sector growth
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for export expertise, training and planning
Tax CreditsOpen
Ontario, Canada
Non-refundable tax credit for R&D in Ontario