Updated July 2026 · Verified against Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) guidelines
Program Federal Active

MICA Diamond/Core Drill Rod and Inner Tube Handling Challenge

Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA)
Maximum Funding
No award amount stated — a solution-sourcing challenge, not a...
Submissions close October 31, 2026
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Hard
Payment
Varies
Trend
Stable
First-Timers
Co-Funding
Varies
MICA Diamond/Core Drill Rod and Inner Tube Handling Challenge provides up to No award amount stated — a solution-sourcing challenge, not a funding call. Project budget is to be determined by the proponent and the operator. MICA challenge seeking machine-based drill rod and inner tube handling concepts for both surface and underground deployment. Submissions close October 31, 2026.
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Program Description

MICA challenge seeking machine-based drill rod and inner tube handling concepts for both surface and underground deployment. Budget not to exceed $500,000, with initial test volume of 1–2 units.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Propose machine-based diamond/core drill rod and inner tube handling concepts
  • Submit separate surface and underground deployment concepts
  • Ensure the solution is universally adaptable across drill manufacturers with acceptable rig modifications
  • Accept that initial test volume is expected to be 1–2 units
  • Note the optimization project horizon is approximately 5 years
Provinces
Industries
Manufacturing Natural Resources
Business Stage
Startup Growth Established

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Hard
Competition
High
First-Timer
Not rated

Funding Details

Amount
No award amount stated — a solution-sourcing challenge, not a funding call. Project budget is to be determined by the proponent and the operator.
Type
Program
Level
Federal
Deadline
Submissions close October 31, 2026

Program Scorecard

Competition, effort, and approval at a glance

Competition
High
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Approval
Varies
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
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How to Win

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Insider Tip

Submit separate surface and underground concepts; surface solutions must handle 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m rods while underground solutions use 3 m rods, and designs must be adaptable across drill manufacturers.

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Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

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Application steps not yet documented.

Required Documents 5

Technical concept or design
Development plan
Proof of adaptability across drill manufacturers
Cost estimates
Testing plan

Deadline Notes

Submissions close October 31, 2026; testing through 2027

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Clawback Risk

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How MICA Diamond/Core Drill Rod and Inner Tube... Compares

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