Defence IDEaS — Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security
Supports Canadian defence innovation from concept to field deployment through technology partnerships.
Defence IDEaS is the Department of National Defence Canada and Canadian Armed Forces flagship innovation program. Launched in April 2018, it is the main route for Canadian innovators working on defence and security challenges, and the record places its long-run commitment at over CAD 1 billion across 20 years. It is active in the 2025-2026 cycle and remains challenge-driven rather than open-ended.…
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.
Offers research teams and institutions for Defence IDEaS Competitive Projects in defense innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Funds counter-UAS prototype developers competing for IDEaS Sandbox monetary prizes.
Funds Canadian consortia establishing secure quantum and uncrewed-systems defence innovation hubs.