STDP AO 10.1 Space R&D – Advanced technologies

• Completed application form signed by authorized representative
• Team member resumes (2 pages maximum per resume)
• Proof of incorporation or registration
• Letters of participation from major project partners
• Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form
• M-30 form for Quebec organizations or Bill-18 form for Alberta organizations

• For-profit or not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada
• Academic institutions are not eligible
• Projects must aim to achieve TRL 5 or 6 at project end
• Initial TRL should be between TRL-4 and TRL-5
• Projects must demonstrate economic benefits within 2-5 years after completion
• Projects must comply with basic R&D definition (pre-commercial technology activities resolving space technology unknowns)

Who is eligible?

• For-profit organizations in Canada
• Not-for-profit organizations in Canada
• Canadian space technology companies
• Organizations developing advanced space technologies

Who is not eligible

• Academic institutions (universities and colleges)
• Organizations not established in Canada
• Organizations operating outside Canada

Eligible expenses

• Equipment acquisition or rental (max 20% of total project costs)
• Consultant services
• Data acquisition
• Laboratory analysis services
• Material and supplies
• Administrative overhead costs (max 15% of eligible costs)
• Salaries and benefits
• Travel expenses including accommodation and meals
• Foreign taxes net of rebates

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Earth observation data processing solutions (eligible through CSA's smartEarth program)
• Space-related medical technologies
• Prospecting and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies
• Space-related food production technologies
• Space-related life support systems
• Technologies already funded by CSA through another contract, contribution, or grant
• Projects aiming at TRLs higher than TRL-6

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies based and operating in Canada

• Project Innovation (max 10 points): Novelty of technology being developed, technical needs addressed, problem-solving approach
• Project Implementation (max 30 points): Implementation plan, team qualifications, methodology, TRL progression, risk mitigation
• Market Assessment (max 15 points): Understanding of market needs, market size, demand factors, competitive landscape
• Roadmap to Product Deployment (max 30 points): Post-project development plan, budgets, schedules, funding sources, stakeholder commitment
• Benefit to Applicant (max 7.5 points): Job creation, company growth in workforce and revenues
• Benefit to Canadian Space Sector (max 7.5 points): Impact on other Canadian firms, expenditure in Canada, socio-economic benefits

• Step 1: Register Intent
  • Register via Registration Portal by February 6, 2026
  • Use format: STDP AO10.1_OrganizationName_ShortProjectName
  • Receive confirmation email with credentials within 3 business days
• Step 2: Prepare Documentation
  • Complete application form
  • Gather required documents (resumes, proof of incorporation, letters of support)
  • Complete M-30 or Bill-18 forms if applicable
  • Combine all documents into single PDF (PDF/A-1a format preferred)
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Upload documents via secured portal using credentials by March 13, 2026, 1:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Ensure application is complete before deadline
  • Applications after deadline will not be accepted

• Acknowledgement of receipt within 5 business days of application submission
• Funding decision within 16 weeks of AO closing date
• Contribution agreement sent for signature within 4 weeks after formal approval
• Payment issued within 6 weeks after fulfilling agreement requirements
• Eligibility verification against defined criteria
• Point-rated evaluation against project strategy and post-project strategy criteria
• Minimum 70% overall score required for consideration
• Funding agreement required before any payment is made

• Projects demonstrating strong potential may request additional funding and time extensions to continue TRL progression (up to TRL-6).
• Total government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal) limited to maximum 75% of eligible project costs.
• Applicants must confirm direct access to their 25% financial contribution prior to application.
• Extension proposals require minimum 75% overall score to be considered for funding.