Open
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $1 million per contract for Build & Test funding. It supports innovative wide-area detection solutions for early warning against uncrewed aerial systems, with a possible follow-on acquisition contract of up to $20 million.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and testing of wide-area UAS detection solutions.
- Early warning systems for Class I and II uncrewed aerial systems.
- Detection, recognition, identification, and tracking of UAS threats.
- Counter-UAS solutions for military and critical infrastructure protection.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian suppliers
Who is not eligible
Non-Canadian suppliers.Organizations that cannot submit through the official portal.Eligible expenses
- Development funding for Build & Test activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Deployed locations specified by the Canadian Armed Forces
Selection criteria
- Operational performance and detection coverage.
- Ability to work in all Canadian weather conditions.
- Interoperability with CAF command and control systems.
- Open architecture and cybersecurity resilience.
- Lower operator burden and lifecycle affordability.
How to apply
1
Review eligibility
- Review the challenge requirements, including the expected capabilities, eligibility criteria, and evaluation outcomes.
- Confirm that your solution meets the minimum Technology Readiness Level 5 requirement and is ready to advance to TRL 6 or higher.
- Verify that you are a Canadian supplier, as only Canadian suppliers are eligible.
2
Submit proposal
- Prepare your proposal in the Defence Innovation Portal (DIP), the only accepted submission platform.
- Include the information required for the call for proposals and ensure your offer is complete.
- Submit before the deadline indicated on CanadaBuys.
3
Complete testing
- If selected, complete the contractor-owned Build & Test phase with DND and CAF present.
- Prepare for the testing phase and meet any readiness and regulatory requirements before Step 2 Test is authorized.
- Participate in the May 2027 testing period, if approved.
4
Await acquisition
- If your solution meets the challenge requirements and achieves at least TRL 8, it may be considered for an optional acquisition contract.
- Canada may evaluate and select a solution for the acquisition phase.
- If awarded, the acquisition contract negotiation and award may follow.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and selected for Build & Test contracts.
- Selected contractors complete Build & Test before possible acquisition consideration.
- Completion of Build & Test does not guarantee a follow-on acquisition contract.
- Optional acquisition is considered only if solutions meet the challenge and achieve at least TRL 8.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sentinel shield Program
What is the Sentinel shield?
This program offers up to $1 million per contract for Build & Test funding. It supports innovative wide-area detection solutions for early warning against uncrewed aerial systems, with a possible follow-on acquisition contract of up to $20 million.
How much funding can be received?
Sentinel shield Funds up to $20,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Sentinel shield program?
To be eligible for the Sentinel shield program, you must:
Canadian suppliers only
TRL 5+ solution
Meets challenge requirements
What expenses are eligible under Sentinel shield?
Development and testing of wide-area UAS detection solutions.
Early warning systems for Class I and II uncrewed aerial systems.
Detection, recognition, identification, and tracking of UAS threats.
Counter-UAS solutions for military and critical infrastructure protection.
Who can I contact for more information about the Sentinel shield?
You can contact Department of National Defence (DND).
Where is the Sentinel shield available?
The Sentinel shield program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the Sentinel shield?
Sentinel shield is funded by Department of National Defence (DND)