Department of National Defence Canada logo
Funder · Federal agency

Department of National Defence Canada

Funds Canadian defense innovation through challenge mechanisms, research contributions, and partnerships supporting security technology.

Canadawww.canada.ca
Key stats
Annual funding—
Programs4
Active grants2
Total grants6
About

The Department of National Defence Canada funds defence and security innovation through challenge programs, research contributions, and competitive grants for Canadian innovators. Its flagship route is Defence IDEaS, launched in 2018 and now carrying more than CAD 1 billion of defence and security innovation spending over 20 years, with delivery tied to the Department's research and development ar…

Programs & grants under this funder
Defence IDEaS — Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security

Supports Canadian defence innovation from concept to field deployment through technology partnerships.

3 grants
Defence IDEaS — Competitive Projects
Open
— pool
Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox
Closed
CAD 1.8M pool
Defence Innovation Secure Hubs
Closed
CAD 50M pool
Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP)

Funds collaborative safety and security projects between government, academia, and industry in Canada.

1 grant
Canadian Safety and Security Program — Collaborative Projects
Closed
— pool
IDEaS Contests

Funds Canadian innovators solving defence and security problems through IDEaS grant-prize contests.

1 grant
IDEaS Contests
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
MINDS — Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security

Funds Canadian policy analysis and expert events on defence and security themes.

1 grant
MINDS Targeted Engagement Grants
Between cycles
— pool
Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: www.canada.ca