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Defence IDEaS — Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security

Defence IDEaS — Competitive Projects

Offers research teams and institutions for Defence IDEaS Competitive Projects in defense innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

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About

Defence IDEaS Competitive Projects is the largest funding element within the Department of National Defence Canada's Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program, providing non-repayable contribution funding to advance technologies from early concept through operational deployment. The mechanism is challenge-driven: DND publishes specific technical challenges, and innovators propose solu…

What this grant funds

Defence and security challenge areas published annually by DND/CAF; 2025-2026 cycle includes five new challenge topics.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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Timeline

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.canada.ca