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True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging
Low-cost drone solutions for precision rangefinding
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 29, 2026
- Closing date : June 10, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This challenge provides up to CAD 2.1 million in development funding for low-cost drone solutions with laser ranging. It supports innovative projects focused on rangefinding, target cueing, and small UAV integration for battlefield awareness and indirect fire support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : April 29, 2026
- Closing date : June 10, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of low-cost drone-based rangefinding solutions.
- Development of target cueing and target designation capabilities for small drones.
- Integration of sensing payloads into compact uncrewed aerial systems.
- Validation of solutions in a realistic capability assessment environment.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals
- Academia
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial, territorial, or municipal government organizations
- Industry
Who is not eligible
- Federal crown corporations
- Provincial crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Integration of technologies onto existing UAS platforms.
- Development and refinement of UAS technologies.
- Mid-point capability validation activities.
- Final capability assessment activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the IDEaS challenge process.
- Selected innovators may take part in a mid-point capability validation and refinement activity.
- A final capability assessment is held at the end of the contract period.
- DND/CAF provide feedback after the final assessment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging. 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 True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
This challenge provides up to CAD 2.1 million in development funding for low-cost drone solutions with laser ranging. It supports innovative projects focused on rangefinding, target cueing, and small UAV integration for battlefield awareness and indirect fire support.
How much funding can be received?
True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging Funds up to $2,100,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **June 10, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program?
To be eligible for the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program, you must:
Innovative small-drone solution.
Drone and payload under 25 kg.
Ready for final assessment by May 2027.
What expenses are eligible under True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
Development of low-cost drone-based rangefinding solutions.
Development of target cueing and target designation capabilities for small drones.
Integration of sensing payloads into compact uncrewed aerial systems.
Validation of solutions in a realistic capability assessment environment.
Who can I contact for more information about the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging available?
The True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program is available across Canada.