Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Insider Tip

IDEaS is challenge-driven -- you cannot submit unsolicited proposals. The key to success is monitoring the IDEaS opportunities index for new challenges that match your existing capabilities, not building something from scratch. The program evaluation found that commercialization is a weak spot, so proposals that articulate a clear path from prototype to operational deployment stand out. With the Defence Industrial Strategy (Feb 2026) and the DISH initiative, quantum technologies and uncrewed systems are the hot areas receiving outsized investment ($50M+ for DISH alone). The IDEaS Marketplace events (annual, Ottawa) are valuable for networking with DND stakeholders and understanding upcoming challenge themes. Component 1a ($250K, 6 months) is the best entry point -- low risk for DND, allows you to prove your concept before seeking larger Component 1b/2 funding.

Rejection Pitfalls 8

• Proposal does not directly address the specific posted challenge
• Technology is at wrong TRL for the component applied to
• Insufficient Canadian content for the call applied to (each call sets its own level, typically 50 to 80%)

Success Profile

Ideal applicant is a Canadian SME or university research group with existing defence/security domain expertise and technology at TRL 1-5. Strong track record in the specific challenge area (cyber, autonomous systems, C4ISR, counter-UAS, quantum, maritime surveillance). Companies with dual-use technology (civilian + military applications) are well-positioned. Must meet the Canadian content level set by the call (typically 50 to 80%). Teams that have attended IDEaS Marketplace or Sandbox events have better situational awareness of DND needs. Academic-industry partnerships are particularly effective for Innovation Networks element.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed on five criteria: (1) Relevance to the specific defence/security challenge posted, (2) Innovation and technical merit including novelty and TRL advancement, (3) Impact and benefits to DND/CAF operations, (4) Feasibility and implementation plan including timeline and risk mitigation, (5) Team qualifications and partnership strength. Each CFP may weight criteria differently. Canadian content is set per call (typically 50 to 80%); Competitive Projects apply a 70% certification as a conditional set-aside.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 8

• Salaries and wages for project personnel (researchers, engineers, technicians)
• Subcontracts to Canadian suppliers and partners
• Materials, consumables, and prototype components
• Equipment rental or purchase directly required for the project
• Travel costs related to project execution and DND engagement
• Testing and certification costs
• Intellectual property and patent costs related to the project
• Overhead and indirect costs (typically capped at 15-20% depending on CFP)

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Capital expenditures for permanent infrastructure or facilities
• Marketing, business development, or commercialization costs unrelated to the challenge
• Costs incurred before contract execution
• Entertainment and hospitality expenses
• Goods and services sourced outside Canada beyond the Canadian content level set by the call

Intake Periods

Rolling challenge-based model. New calls are posted throughout the year for specific defence and security challenges, with no single annual deadline. Open as of September 11, 2026: three Competitive Projects challenges (September 10 to October 20, 2026), two Contests (closing October 8 and October 14, 2026) and a Sandbox (August 11 to December 1, 2026). The DISH CFP ran February 18 to April 2, 2026 and is closed. Monitor the IDEaS opportunities index continuously.

Deadline Notes

IDEaS runs challenge-based calls throughout the year, and each call names its own submission mechanism (the 2026 DISH call ran through a BOREALIS Connect conversation, not a standing portal). As of September 11, 2026 the IDEaS opportunities index lists six open opportunities: three Competitive Projects challenges (Modular Wind Power for Northern Operations; Sustainable Northern operations: water and waste; RF data fusion for command and control), open from September 10 and closing October 20, 2026; two Contests (Enhancing medical capability in austere environments, closing October 8, 2026, and Minefield breaching - Detect & destroy, closing October 14, 2026); and the Counter uncrewed aerial systems (urban) sandbox 2027, closing December 1, 2026. The earlier hypersonic innovation network and Drone surge calls are closed, and the DISH CFP closed April 2, 2026. Monitor https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas/opportunities.html.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Federal government departments, agencies and federal Crown corporations (Contests and Test Drives also exclude federal employees)
• Organizations that cannot meet the Canadian content level set by the call they apply to
• Organizations subject to Canadian sanctions or controlled goods restrictions without appropriate clearance
• Provincial Crown corporations (Competitive Projects)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk