Closed
Continental Defense and Security Technologies
Seek innovative prototypes for real-life government testing
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,300,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 21, 2025
- Closing date : February 11, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Continental Defense and Security Technologies grant, sponsored by Defence Research and Development Canada, provides up to $2,300,000 CAD in funding for the procurement, testing, and evaluation of innovative pre-commercial prototypes. The program is designed to enhance operational capabilities by supporting advancements in autonomy and quantum technologies.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,300,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 21, 2025
- Closing date : February 11, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and testing of autonomous technologies for enhanced navigation, communication, perception, and cooperation in various environments including space, aerial, ground, underground, and underwater.
- Testing and evaluation of pan-domain robotics with solutions enabling high precision navigation and operation in GNSS denied, jammed, or complex environments.
- Integration of sensory data to create accurate environmental representations, including through the use of 4K video streaming over long distances for real-time operational support.
- Advancement and testing of quantum-enabled technologies such as quantum sensors, quantum radar, and quantum lidar systems for applications in defense, public safety, and environmental management.
- Development of quantum communication technologies with potential applications in defense, telecommunications, aviation, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Solutions for human-robot team operations to enhance cooperation and communication robustly across multiple domains.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies engaged in the development of pre-commercial innovative prototypes.
- Businesses focused on defense and security technologies, particularly in the fields of autonomy and quantum technologies.
- Companies that meet the Canadian Content and Ownership criteria, demonstrating a significant Canadian presence.
- Entities that have not previously received a contract under similar innovation programs like BCIP or CICP and meet the Pre-Commercial Status requirement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies or entities conducting activities on a permanent basis in Canada.
Additional information
- The program includes both a Standard Component and a Military Component, with specific funding allocated for the Military Component.
- There is a dedicated email address for questions regarding the call for proposals: TPSGC.PASICVoletessai-APISCTestingStream.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.
- The innovations selected will be tested and evaluated in real-life settings to meet specific needs identified by the Government of Canada.
- The call for proposals includes specific outcome requirements that innovations must meet to qualify for consideration.
- The funding mechanism is via a contract, distinct from grants or loans.
- Applicants must ensure that innovations are not commercially available and have not been previously sold on a commercial basis.
- Detailed evaluation criteria and scoring details are available for assessing the innovations on various parameters like innovation level, operational readiness, IP strategy, and EDI benefits.
- The deadline for submission is February 11, 2025, at 14:00 Eastern Time.
- Specific instructions and documents must be reviewed carefully before submitting a proposal.
- The program provides a Pathway to Commercialization for eligible Canadian SMEs after initial testing, offering an opportunity to sell innovations directly to the Government of Canada post-validation.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Continental Defense and Security Technologies Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Continental Defense and Security Technologies. 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 Continental Defense and Security Technologies?
The Continental Defense and Security Technologies grant, sponsored by Defence Research and Development Canada, provides up to $2,300,000 CAD in funding for the procurement, testing, and evaluation of innovative pre-commercial prototypes. The program is designed to enhance operational capabilities by supporting advancements in autonomy and quantum technologies.
How much funding can be received?
Continental Defense and Security Technologies Funds up to $2,300,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 11, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Continental Defense and Security Technologies program?
To be eligible for the Continental Defense and Security Technologies program, you must:
The Offeror must meet the definition of a Canadian Offeror, having a place of business in Canada operational on a permanent basis.
At least 80% of the financial proposal costs must consist of Canadian goods or services.
The Offeror must be the owner or licensee of the Intellectual Property for the proposed innovation.
What expenses are eligible under Continental Defense and Security Technologies?
Development and testing of autonomous technologies for enhanced navigation, communication, perception, and cooperation in various environments including space, aerial, ground, underground, and underwater.
Testing and evaluation of pan-domain robotics with solutions enabling high precision navigation and operation in GNSS denied, jammed, or complex environments.
Integration of sensory data to create accurate environmental representations, including through the use of 4K video streaming over long distances for real-time operational support.
Advancement and testing of quantum-enabled technologies such as quantum sensors, quantum radar, and quantum lidar systems for applications in defense, public safety, and environmental management.
Development of quantum communication technologies with potential applications in defense, telecommunications, aviation, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
Solutions for human-robot team operations to enhance cooperation and communication robustly across multiple domains.
Who can I contact for more information about the Continental Defense and Security Technologies?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at TPSGC.PASICVoletessai-APISCTestingStream.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.
Where is the Continental Defense and Security Technologies available?
The Continental Defense and Security Technologies program is available across Canada.
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