Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovative Solutions Canada — Testing Stream

Funds government validation of innovative Canadian solutions through real-world trials in complex operational environments.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

Innovative Solutions Canada's Testing Stream is a procurement-based program administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that funds Canadian small businesses to validate their innovations in real-world federal government operational environments. Unlike a conventional grant, the Testing Stream is structured as a government procurement contract: ISED departments pay participating small businesses to test their innovations within active government settings, and after successful testing, the government may purchase the commercialized product. The 2026 Testing Stream cohort covers three specific topic areas: trust and verification in digital government; enhancing capabilities in complex environments; and quantum. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort was 17 June 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Eligibility is restricted to Canadian small businesses, defined as for-profit companies typically with fewer than 500 employees incorporated in Canada. Not-for-profit organizations, universities, research institutions, and large corporations are not eligible. Each challenge topic under the Testing Stream has its own specific eligibility and technical requirements, which are detailed in the individual challenge announcements rather than the program index. Award amounts per challenge are also published at the individual challenge level. The testing takes place in live government operational environments, giving small businesses access to authentic use conditions that are otherwise difficult to replicate.

The program is particularly relevant to companies developing solutions in cybersecurity and digital identity, dual-use sensing or situational awareness technologies, and quantum-enabled applications for government use cases. After a company successfully completes testing, the government retains the option — but not the obligation — to purchase the commercialized innovation, providing a potential direct-to-government revenue pathway. Applicants should review each challenge's Statement of Work carefully to confirm their technology matches the defined operational testing context before committing application resources.