CSA smartEarth Program
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Non-repayable contributions for Canadian organizations to develop innovative Earth observation satellite data applications. Three tracks: Accelerator (commercial EO solutions), Integrator (government service improvements), Enabler (capacity building). Recent AOs funded 20 organizations.
Eligibility Requirements
- For-profit organizations in Canada
- Not-for-profit organizations in Canada
- Canadian post-secondary institutions
- Project must use satellite Earth observation data
- Must align with Accelerator, Integrator, or Enabler track
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $250,000 per project
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 100% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Periodic AO rounds — check CSA website
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipAccelerator track best for private companies building commercial EO products. Highlight environmental monitoring or food security applications — aligned with CSA priorities.
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Success Profile
Canadian geospatial/agri-tech firm with demonstrated satellite data use and a solution for a defined environmental or operational challenge.
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Evaluation Criteria
Assessed on: (1) Innovation and novelty of the satellite data application; (2) Application Readiness Level (ARL) — a 9-level framework tracking development maturity from approach definition to solution deployment; (3) Alignment with track objectives (Accelerator: commercial viability, Integrator: government service improvement, Enabler: capacity building); (4) Environmental or societal impact of the proposed application; (5) Team capability and relevant EO/geospatial expertise; (6) Feasibility of proposed timeline and budget; (7) Benefit to Canadian EO ecosystem.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 4
Eligible Expenses 8
- Salaries and employee benefits for project personnel
- Equipment acquisition, rental, and software for satellite data processing
- Consultant and professional services for EO application development
- Data acquisition costs including satellite imagery licensing
- Materials and supplies for prototype/demonstration development
- Overhead and administrative costs (max 15% of project costs)
- Travel expenses directly related to project activities
- Cloud computing and infrastructure costs for data processing
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Space hardware development (covered by STDP, not smartEarth)
- Satellite construction or launch costs
- Costs incurred before contribution agreement signing
- General marketing and sales activities unrelated to the application
- Routine operational costs not specific to the funded project
- Projects not using satellite Earth observation data
Intake Periods
Periodic AO rounds with rotating themes. Recent AOs: Biodiversity Action (January 2025, registration closed February 2026), Accelerating EO Innovations Stage 2 (2024), Research Opportunities (2023-2024). Expect 1-2 new AOs per fiscal year. Monitor asc-csa.gc.ca/smartearth for announcements.
Deadline Notes
smartEarth may no longer operate as a standalone program — not appearing in CSA active funding listings as of April 2026. Program may have been consolidated. Monitor asc-csa.gc.ca/smartearth for updates or contact CSA directly.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Organizations not established and operating in Canada
- Individuals and sole proprietorships
- Foreign entities without Canadian operations
- Organizations proposing projects that do not use satellite Earth observation data
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How CSA smartEarth Program Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSA smartEarth Program | Up to $250,000 per project | Moderate | Reimbursement | Periodic AO rounds —... |
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