Open
Last Update: April 17, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, 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
- Ottawa
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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Sentinel shield. 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 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.
Is the Sentinel shield a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Sentinel shield is a Researchers And Facilities