What is IDEaS?

Innovation for Defence Excellence & Security (IDEaS) is a Department of National Defence program connecting creative thinkers with Canada’s toughest defence & security challenges.

Bring your concept to us at any stage, and keep your Intellectual Property. We’ll provide funding & expertise from experts & scientists who will help chart your path forward.

IDEaS at a glance

  • $1.6 billion in funding over 20 years
  • Over 360 projects funded to date
  • 57 challenges issued
  • More than 200 funded entities

What does IDEaS provide?

COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
Up to $1.2 million in funding for your idea.

Phased development to encourage and advance your solution.

INNOVATION NETWORKS
Up to $1.5 million to share with your partners.

Collaborate and refine your idea with academics, industry and other partners.

SANDBOXES
Test your innovation in a controlled environment.

We provide the scenario & environment, you provide the science & technology.

CONTESTS
Get in the running for big cash prizes.

Compete against fellow innovators by bringing your "A" game to help solve military challenges.

TEST DRIVES
Have your product or service assessed in a real world environment.

Defence personnel acquire and evaluate your solutions.

How do I get started?

Sign up to our email list to learn more. Receive challenges directly in your inbox along with news and updates.
Visit ‘Current opportunities’ for a list of our active challenges. See if your tech fits with our latest set of S&T challenges.
This event registration portal is managed by a third party on behalf of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program.
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