The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, through Public Services and Procurement Canada, has issued an Advance notice to inform the industry of the anticipated content for upcoming challenges that will be posted this fall under the next Competitive Projects call for proposals.

These draft challenges are subject to change and are provided for information purposes only. In addition to the challenges listed, other challenges may also be posted in the fall.

IDEaS seeks to support the development of innovative concepts along a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturity scale. Through this open CFP process, the Competitive Projects (CP) element of IDEaS is soliciting innovative concepts in response to defence and security challenges.

READ: IDEaS That Work: DND/CAF’s IDEaS program- Canadian Defence

NORAD modernization begins with innovation

Investing in NORAD modernization is key to increasing the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) ability to protect Canadians against new and emerging military threats.

Through its first NORAD modernization S&T Contest, the IDEaS program has awarded $19 million in NORAD modernization science and technology (S&T) funding to 19 innovators. These projects aim to future-proof North America’s defence against threats across the following domains:

  • Quantum technologies
  • Autonomous technologies
  • Counter uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS)
  • Arctic mobility and navigation of military platforms, including ships, land vehicles, and aircraft
  • Scalable, energy-efficient and sustainable power and energy solutions for current and future Department of National Defence (DND) and CAF arctic requirements

What IDEaS provides

This contest invites innovators to tackle the key priorities outlined in Canada’s NORAD modernization plan. This contest will follow a stage-gated approach wherein successful applicants will undergo an evaluation and selection process to access financial incentives. The initial pool of funding for the first round of grants is $19M.

What innovators bring

Solutions at TRLs 1-6 that provide new perspectives and measures in the domains relevant to this challenge that support the defence of North America will be considered. The proposals must benefit Canada’s defence and security sectors and contribute broader long-term socio-economic including prioritizing, protecting and supporting Northern and Indigenous communities.

To see the funded projects, visit IDEaS NORAD modernization S&T Contest.

By working together on advancing NORAD modernization, IDEaS is building innovative defence security capabilities that will help grow the knowledge economy, and the innovation ecosystem in Canada.
The IDEaS team

To learn more, visit IDEaS Advance Notice – Tender Notice | CanadaBuys.

IDEaS That Work: DND/CAF’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program