Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Non-repayable contributions for Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies that address Canadian Armed Forces capability needs. Delivered through the NRC IRAP network, DI Assist provides both funding and advisory services to help companies scale up, commercialize dual-use innovations, and connect to defence procurement pathways. Focus areas include cyber, space, advanced manufacturing, AI, and emerging defence technologies.
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian SME, incorporated, for-profit, operating in Canada
- Up to 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Developing innovative defence or dual-use technologies
- Technology must address Canadian Armed Forces capability needs
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $500,000 typical (uses IRAP contribution framework); larger projects possible
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 80% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing — rolling intake through IRAP ITA network
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 6 rejection pitfalls reviewers flag — so you catch them first
- 8-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 6-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 4-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)? Our Financial Projections Model ($29) covers the cost-share, matching-fund, and cash-flow math reviewers want to see. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipDI Assist is brand new (January 2026) with a large dedicated budget — this is the best time to apply before the pipeline fills up. The program runs through the same ITA network as regular IRAP, so step one is calling 1-877-994-4727 and getting assigned an ITA. The critical differentiator: your technology must have a credible defence or dual-use application aligned with CAF capability needs. If you already have an ITA from a previous IRAP project, contact them directly — existing IRAP clients have a faster path.
Rejection Pitfalls 6
- Technology lacks credible defence or dual-use application — civilian-only innovation should apply to core IRAP
- Cannot articulate specific CAF capability need
- Work already started before ITA approval — IRAP cannot fund retroactively
Success Profile
Incorporated Canadian SME (5-200 employees) in cybersecurity, AI/ML, space technology, advanced sensors, autonomous systems, or advanced manufacturing. Technology at TRL 3-7 with demonstrable defence or dual-use application. Can articulate specific CAF capability gap their technology addresses.
Evaluation Criteria
Assessment conducted by NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) evaluating: (1) Technical aspects — innovation quality, defence/dual-use application credibility, and specific CAF capability gap addressed, (2) Business impact — growth potential and commercialization viability, (3) Management and financial capacity — team strength and ability to execute, (4) Likelihood of achieving expected results within project timeline, (5) Commercialization plan — market opportunity and path to revenue, (6) Economic benefits to Canada — job creation, export potential, industrial base strengthening.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 8
Eligible Expenses 6
- R&D salaries and wages for technical personnel directly working on the project
- Subcontractor and consultant costs for specialized technical work (up to 50% coverage rate)
- Materials and supplies consumed during R&D activities
- Prototype development and testing costs
- Technical training and skills development for project team
- Equipment directly required for R&D activities (case-by-case)
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Capital expenditures (buildings, land, permanent equipment purchases)
- Routine operational costs and day-to-day business expenses
- Marketing, sales, and general business development
- Costs incurred before ITA approval and contribution agreement signing
- Patent filing and IP prosecution fees
- Administrative overhead not directly tied to the R&D project
Intake Periods
Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines. Applications accepted continuously through the IRAP ITA network. Contact 1-877-994-4727 or an existing ITA at any time. Program launched January 9, 2026 with $244.2M budget starting FY 2025-26, part of $6.6B Defence Industrial Strategy over 5 years.
Deadline Notes
Program launched January 2026 with $244.2M in new funding starting FY 2025-26, part of $6.6B over 5 years under Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (Budget 2025). No formal intake windows — rolling basis through ITA network. Contact 1-877-994-4727 or existing ITA to initiate.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Sole proprietorships and unincorporated businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations and cooperatives
- Companies with more than 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Non-Canadian companies or companies without Canadian operations
- Companies developing purely civilian technology with no credible defence or dual-use application
- Academic institutions and government agencies
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskHow Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) | Up to $500,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing — rolling intake... |
| CanExport Innovation | Up to $37,500 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Between intakes —... |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Next deadline: May 29,... |
| Innovative Solutions Canada | up to $150,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Challenge-specific — new... |
Related Programs
Other programs you might be eligible for
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)