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Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces - Alberta - Canada
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Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces

Supports Prairie organizations integrating into defence supply chains
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : December 5, 2025
  • Closing date : December 31, 2027
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada

Overview

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces is a $357.7 million national contribution program that supports Prairie businesses, especially SMEs, Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, to integrate into defence supply chains and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base. Eligible activities include technology adoption, capacity building, productivity improvements, technology commercialization, and related costs such as labour, capital equipment, certifications, commercialization and R&D, for projects aligned with military needs and defence priorities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : December 5, 2025
  • Closing date : December 31, 2027

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
  • Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Projects that adopt new digital, automated or integrated technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness in defence-related operations.
  • Projects that build capacity to enter or grow within defence supply chains, including commercialization strategies, participation in technology showcases and obtaining required defence-related certifications.
  • Projects that expand, modernize or upgrade production facilities and equipment to enhance productivity for defence or military purposes.
  • Projects that develop, adapt or commercialize dual-use technologies, products or services with clear military or defence applications (such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, space, sensors, aerospace, or autonomous systems).
  • Projects that establish or expand research centres or centres of expertise focused on technologies or capabilities aligned with Canadian defence priorities.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Businesses operating within the defence supply chain
  • Businesses positioning themselves to enter the defence supply chain
  • Not-for-profit organizations that support businesses responding or potentially responding to military needs (e.g., ecosystem service providers, research centres)
  • Indigenous-owned businesses involved or seeking involvement in defence-related activities
  • Indigenous organizations that support participation in defence and military-related economic opportunities

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries, wages and benefits for project-related personnel, as well as the cost of materials used for the project.
  • Capital expenditures such as the purchase of machinery, equipment and infrastructure required to carry out the project.
  • Consulting, professional and technical service fees directly tied to the project (e.g., specialized advisors or technical experts).
  • Costs for pre-production activities, including technological development and commercial demonstrations.
  • Expenses related to commercializing products or services, and to expanding or maintaining target markets.
  • Fees for specialized services such as testing, research and development, and other technical or innovation services.
  • Costs to obtain or comply with required military certifications and standards (e.g., cybersecurity, controlled goods, ISO, technical and engineering standards).
  • Expenses to build internal capacity to prepare and submit bids on defence-related contracts and projects.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Businesses and organizations located in the Prairie provinces served by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

Additional information

  • Intake is open for a limited time and applications are accepted until December 31, 2027, or until all available funding has been fully committed.
  • Costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis for up to 12 months prior to the signed funding request, but not before April 1, 2025.
  • Decisions on funding are generally made within about 90 business days after a complete funding application (with all required supporting documents) is received.
  • Participation in the initiative is competitive, and not all applications that undergo detailed assessment will receive a contribution agreement.

Contacts

1-888-338-9378

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces. 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 Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces is a $357.7 million national contribution program that supports Prairie businesses, especially SMEs, Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, to integrate into defence supply chains and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base. Eligible activities include technology adoption, capacity building, productivity improvements, technology commercialization, and related costs such as labour, capital equipment, certifications, commercialization and R&D, for projects aligned with military needs and defence priorities.

How much funding can be received?

Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2027**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program?

To be eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program, you must: Business must be within, or positioning itself in, the defence supply chain. Not-for-profit must support businesses that respond or could respond to a military need. Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations are eligible.

What expenses are eligible under Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?

Projects that adopt new digital, automated or integrated technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness in defence-related operations. Projects that build capacity to enter or grow within defence supply chains, including commercialization strategies, participation in technology showcases and obtaining required defence-related certifications. Projects that expand, modernize or upgrade production facilities and equipment to enhance productivity for defence or military purposes. Projects that develop, adapt or commercialize dual-use technologies, products or services with clear military or defence applications (such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, space, sensors, aerospace, or autonomous systems). Projects that establish or expand research centres or centres of expertise focused on technologies or capabilities aligned with Canadian defence priorities.

Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?

You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.

Where is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces available?

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.

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