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STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies - Canada
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STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies

Canadian space technology R&D funding for medium to long term market deployment
Last Update: March 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

This Canadian Space Agency program provides non-repayable contributions up to $500,000 per project to support basic R&D of space technologies. Projects should aim to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or 4 by project end, with product deployment expected in the medium to long term (5-10 years).
/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 : 500,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Basic R&D of space technologies in the space application segment
  • Development of new concepts, products and/or know-how
  • Technology development activities strengthening industrial capabilities
  • Projects achieving TRL 3 or 4 at project end

Documents Needed

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Team member résumés (max 2 pages each)
  • Proof of incorporation or registration
  • Letters from major project participants
  • Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • For-profit organizations established and operating in Canada
  • Not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the space sector
  • Companies targeting space technology development

Who is not eligible

  • Academic institutions
  • Current CSA employees (cannot participate in any way)
  • Organizations submitting multiple applications for the same project
  • Projects already funded by another CSA contract, contribution, or grant

Eligible expenses

  • Acquisition or rental of equipment including software (max 20% of project costs)
  • Consultant services
  • Data acquisition
  • Laboratory analysis services
  • Salaries and benefits (real salary rates with benefits up to 20% of salary)
  • Travel expenses including accommodation and meals
  • Material and supplies
  • Overhead costs (max 15% of project eligible costs)

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • 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, contribution, or grant
  • Projects targeting TRL higher than TRL-6

Eligible geographic areas

  • Companies based and operating in Canada

Processing and Agreement

  • Acknowledgment 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
  • Recipients must keep project records for 6 years after project completion

Additional information

  • Projects must target Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or 4 by project end, with product deployment expected in 5-10 years.
  • CSA encourages equity, diversity and inclusion plans and Indigenous participation plans as optional attachments.
  • Extension requests are possible for projects demonstrating strong TRL progression potential, up to an additional $500,000.
  • Total government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal) cannot exceed 75% of total eligible project costs.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies. 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 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies?

This Canadian Space Agency program provides non-repayable contributions up to $500,000 per project to support basic R&D of space technologies. Projects should aim to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or 4 by project end, with product deployment expected in the medium to long term (5-10 years).

How much funding can be received?

STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies program?

To be eligible for the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies program, you must: For-profit or not-for-profit organization in Canada (excluding academic institutions) Basic R&D space technology project TRL 3 or 4 target at project end

What expenses are eligible under STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies?

Basic R&D of space technologies in the space application segment Development of new concepts, products and/or know-how Technology development activities strengthening industrial capabilities Projects achieving TRL 3 or 4 at project end

Who can I contact for more information about the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies?

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 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies available?

The STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies program is available across Canada.

Is the STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies a grant, loan, or tax credit?

STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies is a Grant and Funding