How do I apply for Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

Visit Government of Canada, Department of National Defence's website for application instructions.

What industries are eligible for Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

Eligible industries include: defence, security, technology.

Who administers Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

This program is administered by Government of Canada, Department of National Defence.

Are there similar programs to Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

Yes! Canada Grants Database has similar programs in the Research & Innovation Partnerships category. Browse our database to find more options that match your needs.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)?

Our detailed breakdown covers step-by-step application instructions, required document checklists, and eligible expense breakdowns so you know exactly what to prepare before applying.

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Government of Canada, Department of National Defence

🔬 Research & Innovation Partnerships 🔬 Research 💼 Commercialization 🍁 National 🏪 Small Business 🎓 University Partnership

Funding projects for innovative defence and security solutions

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Helps Canadian businesses and organizations get money to develop ideas that support the Armed Forces in solving defence and security challenges.

Quick Facts

Funding

Up to $6,750,000

Deadline

See website

Status

Accepting Applications

What Is This Program?

Check out current and future challenges and submit your ideas for a chance to get money to pursue your ideas and help the Canadian Armed Forces solve defence and security issues.

What Benefits Are Offered?

grantadvisoryaccess to facilitiesprize

Phased development funding and prizes for innovative defence and security solutions, offering testing opportunities, networking, and access to an innovation ecosystem.

Who Is Eligible?

Business Size: small, medium, large

Industries: defence, security, technology

Region: Canada

Other Criteria: innovative solutions, technology readiness level (TRL) 1 to 9, individuals, academia, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial or municipal government organizations, or industry

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Strategic research administration professional and registered Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) with over 10 years of experience in Canadian post-secondary and applied research environments, specializing in grant development, institutional funding strategy, and research governance. Holds a PhD and Master of Economics, with deep expertise in Tri-Agency programs, adjudication processes, funding systems, and full grant lifecycle management. Recognized for strengthening institutional research capacity

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🏆 Detailed Application Guide

📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

📝Steps to Apply: Identify a specific defence and security challenge.
Develop a proposal that addresses the challenge.
Submit the proposal through the IDEaS application portal.
🌐Application Portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas.html
📤Submission Method: online
🔄Intake Type: rolling

📄What Documents Are Required?

✅Required Documents: Proposal detailing the innovative solution
Milestone reports
📎Optional Documents: Additional documentation to support the proposal
📐Format Requirements: PDF only, max 10MB
📥Templates Available: IDEaS Proposal Template
✉️Supporting Letters: Letters of support from partners or stakeholders are recommended but not mandatory.

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💰What Expenses Are Eligible?

🧾Eligible Expenses: Phased development funding for technology advancement
Costs associated with developing innovative solutions
Prototype building and testing costs
🚫Ineligible Expenses: Costs incurred by federal and provincial crown corporations
📏Expense Caps: Component 1a (up to $250,000), Component 1b (up to $1.5 million), Component 2 (up to $5 million)
💳Payment Model: mixed
⏪Retroactive Expenses Eligible: No

🤝Is Matching Funding Required?

🔀Matching Required: Yes
📊Matching Ratio: 25% minimum
🏦Eligible Matching Sources: cash
in-kind
📚Stacking Rules: Cumulative government assistance is allowed.
🛡️Proof of Matching Required: Documentation of cash and in-kind contributions required.

📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?

🗓️Reporting Frequency: annual
📑Reporting Requirements: milestone reports
annual reports
🔍Audit Requirements: Innovators may be assessed throughout their funding period.
📢Branding Requirements: acknowledgment of funding and visibility requirements
🗄️Record Retention Period: 7 years

How Do I Apply?

information@forces.gc.ca

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

This program is available to small, medium, large businesses in defence, security, technology industries located in Canada.

This program offers funding up to $6,750,000.

Check the official program website for current deadlines.

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Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

✨Jargon-free version

📌Quick Facts

💡What Is This Program?

🎁What Benefits Are Offered?

✅Who Is Eligible?

🤝Chat with Grant experts

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🏆 Detailed Application Guide

📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

📄What Documents Are Required?

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