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STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses - Canada
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STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses

Space R&D funding for small Canadian businesses
Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Government of Canada
Last Update: March 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 350,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

This Canadian Space Agency program provides non-repayable contributions up to $350,000 to support basic R&D activities for space technologies by small businesses with up to 50 employees. Eligible projects must focus on advancing technology readiness levels (TRL 1-6) to strengthen Canada's industrial capabilities in the space sector.
/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 : 350,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Construction
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 50 employees maximum
Audience
  • All groups

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Basic R&D for space technologies (space application segment)
  • Development of new concepts, products and/or know-how
  • Technology readiness level progression from TRL-1 to TRL-6
  • Industrial capability building in space technologies

Documents Needed

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

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Small for-profit organizations (up to 50 employees)
  • Small not-for-profit organizations (up to 50 employees)
  • Canadian companies in space technology sector

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations with more than 50 employees
  • Academic institutions (universities and colleges)
  • Organizations not established in Canada
  • CSA employees participating in application process

Eligible expenses

  • Equipment acquisition or rental (max 20% of total eligible costs)
  • Consultant services
  • Data acquisition
  • Laboratory analysis services
  • Material and supplies
  • Overhead costs (max 15% of eligible costs)
  • Salaries and benefits
  • Travel and accommodation expenses

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects targeting TRL higher than TRL-6
  • Earth observation data processing solutions (eligible through smartEarth initiative)
  • 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 or grant

Eligible geographic areas

  • Companies based and operating in Canada

Processing and Agreement

  • Application review timeline: 16 weeks after AO closing date
  • Funding agreement sent within 4 weeks after approval
  • Payment issued within 6 weeks of agreement fulfillment
  • Eligible costs reimbursed only after funding agreement signed
  • Recipients must keep project records for 6 years after project completion

Additional information

  • Maximum two projects per recipient across all AO 10 categories combined
  • Cumulative funding limit of $5M for same R&D project across multiple contributions
  • Projects must begin by July 1, 2026
  • Extensions available for projects demonstrating strong TRL progression potential

Contacts

pdts-stdp@asc-csa.gc.ca
450-926-4866

Frequently Asked Questions about the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses. 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 STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses?

This Canadian Space Agency program provides non-repayable contributions up to $350,000 to support basic R&D activities for space technologies by small businesses with up to 50 employees. Eligible projects must focus on advancing technology readiness levels (TRL 1-6) to strengthen Canada's industrial capabilities in the space sector.

How much funding can be received?

STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $350,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses program?

To be eligible for the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses program, you must: Small businesses (up to 50 employees) in Canada For-profit or not-for-profit organizations Excluding academic institutions

What expenses are eligible under STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses?

Basic R&D for space technologies (space application segment) Development of new concepts, products and/or know-how Technology readiness level progression from TRL-1 to TRL-6 Industrial capability building in space technologies

Who can I contact for more information about the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses?

You can contact Canadian Space Agency (CSA) by email at pdts-stdp@asc-csa.gc.ca or by phone at 450-926-4866.

Where is the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses available?

The STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses program is available across Canada.

Is the STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?

STDP AO 10.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses is a Grant and Funding

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