Innovative Solutions Canada - Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence

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.

• 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).

• Step 1: Review Program Documentation
  • Read the official solicitation documents provided by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISDE) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
  • Review the challenge details, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria.
  • Consult the tender notice for this specific challenge via the CanadaBuys website.
• Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
  • Draft a comprehensive proposal addressing all mandatory criteria, including detailed descriptions of how your solution meets the essential and additional outcomes.
  • Include information on your innovation, current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), proof of feasibility, and competitive advantages over current technologies.
  • Describe your research and development activities, project plan, team experience, risk mitigation strategies, inclusivity actions, financial controls, and commercialization strategy as required by the guidelines.
  • Gather all relevant supporting documentation.
• Step 3: Complete the Challenge Stream Submission Form
  • Access and fill out the official Challenge Stream Submission Form as mandated.
  • Ensure completeness and accuracy, providing all required technical, financial, and organizational information.
• Step 4: Submit Your Application
  • Log in through the official application portal as required (account creation/login may be necessary to submit).
  • Upload the completed proposal and all required supporting documents.
  • Submit the full application before the published deadline.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Tracking
  • Upon successful submission, ensure you receive confirmation of your application.
  • Retain any reference numbers or confirmation emails for your records.
• Step 6: Respond to Inquiries
  • Monitor official communications for any follow-up questions from program administrators or requests for clarification.
  • Address any additional requirements or requests promptly.

• 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.