2023-2024 IDEaS Annual Report

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Dr. Jaspinder Komal
Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Research and Development Canada

Message from Dr. Jaspinder Komal

Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Research and Development Canada

In 2023, IDEaS celebrated its five-year anniversary. With the help of creative minds, we have been transforming the defence innovation landscape in Canada.

The IDEaS program is designed to make ideas grow larger, develop faster, and transform them into practical solutions for the DND/CAF. I am proud to say that our investments have yielded great results. More than 20 technologies have been developed to a test-ready state for DND/CAF thanks to IDEaS funding.

From basic research to advanced prototype testing in real-world environments, the tools that IDEaS offers gives DND/CAF several avenues to pursue the solutions that ultimately meet their needs. This utility has driven technology forward in a variety of domains, from artificial intelligence to enhanced mapping technologies to cyber attribution. Still, we are always looking to do more.

Over the next five years, increased collaboration, stronger partnerships, and more meaningful feedback from the Defence Team will help innovative technology reach new heights. From what we have seen to date, the next five years will be even better than the past five.

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Philippe Hébert Director General R&D Innovation

Message from Philippe Hébert

Director General R&D Innovation

Expertise isn’t born overnight: it’s shaped through persistence, continuous learning, and the spark of breakthrough moments.

The IDEaS program is now working closely with several innovators to test technologies that have advanced from early-stage development through the IDEaS ecosystem. Some of these technologies started their journey as part of the program’s first call for proposals in 2018.

Five years later, DND/CAF are now getting technologies customized to their specific needs based on their direct feedback, refinement, and iteration in critical domains.
This is the result of hard work and of concepts being given the time and support they need to find their path.

From autonomous systems to quantum technologies, IDEaS has been venturing into entirely new and vital territory for defence and security. These new domains have time horizons that are approaching fast and shrinking daily. That means the time to invest is now.

The culmination of potential being developed both within and outside of the Defence Team is allowing us to expand far beyond our imagination, and there is nothing but open road and possibility ahead.

We will be no less ambitious in creating new tools and pathways that harness the collective potential of working together in the coming years.

IDEaS’ five-year anniversary: Celebrating milestones in innovation

In April 2023, IDEaS commemorated its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2018 as part of Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, IDEaS has driven technological advancements that enhance Canada’s defence capabilities by supporting a wide range of projects while fostering collaboration across the innovation community.

The five-year mark provided an opportunity to reflect on the program’s role in transforming defence and security challenges into innovative solutions. During the first five years, IDEaS funded more than 660 projects, addressing more than 75 unique challenges from DND/CAF. More than four technologies progressed from early-stage development to readiness for real-world testing.

Since its inception, IDEaS has facilitated key partnerships, such as with Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) to enhance sensor capabilities through artificial intelligence. The partnership with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) has led to increased participation of small businesses in federal government procurement across the country.

Overall, the program’s impact has extended well beyond defence, contributing more than $380 million to the Canadian innovation ecosystem, thus strengthening both national security and the broader economy.

Looking ahead, the program is committed to continuing its role in advancing defence technologies and fostering collaboration, with plans for another 15 years of innovation to support DND/CAF and the wider Canadian defence community.

IDEaS by the numbers: The first five years

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IDEaS program performance at a glance

Total funding awarded by province from launch of IDEaS to March 31, 2024

Total funding awarded by province from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024

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IDEaS Program of Work updates

The program has achieved remarkable progress in driving innovation and advancing defence capabilities. This success is a testament to the dedication of IDEaS staff—past and present—as well as the invaluable contributions of our partners in DND/CAF and Assistant Deputy Minister (Defence Research and Development Canada) (ADM[DRDC]). Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the program’s impact and success.

Year five (2023-2024) marked an important transition following COVID19 restrictions that ended in October 2022. The IDEaS program moved forward and made significant progress by awarding numerous contracts, launching new calls and successfully hosting the second IDEaS Marketplace event. The second iteration of the IDEaS Marketplace, held on June 2, 2023, at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, showcased 55 innovators and 64 solutions across various research streams. The event attracted over 450 stakeholders, marking a significant success in fostering defence innovation collaboration.

Over the five years since IDEaS was launched, all of its funding elements—including Competitive Projects, Innovative Networks, Contests, Test Drives, and Sandboxes—gained significant traction. The following provides an overview of each element, along with program spotlights that highlight some of the most fascinating and innovative accomplishments.

Competitive Projects

Competitive Projects has accelerated the development of promising technologies through a fast-tracked, phased approach, driving innovation and advancing solutions to new levels in a short time frame. Since 2018, five calls for proposals have been launched, setting the stage for the development of cutting-edge solutions.

Highlights from 2023-24

In 2023-24, IDEaS awarded multiple contracts to support innovation in defence and security, investing over $25 million in new technologies through the Competitive Projects element. These investments have funded advancements in key areas such as cybersecurity, communications, energy efficiency and advanced surveillance.
Although no new Competitive Projects Calls for Proposals were launched, there was a significant increase in research and development (R&D) activity within projects already under way.

Many innovators progressed from proof-of-concept to mature prototypes, with several transitioning into Component 2 funding. Others expanded their work into new testing environments, including Arctic operations, marine surveillance, and space-based communications. This progression reflects both the growing technical readiness of solutions and the strengthening collaboration between IDEaS and Canadian innovators.

Highlights from 2023–24 include, but are not limited to:

• QEYnet: This company was funded to develop a Quantum Satellite Rekeying Device (QSRD), a groundbreaking system that enables satellites to update their encryption keys while in orbit. The technology is now being tested by the Canadian Space Agency.
• MDA Systems Ltd.: Through its Arctic Critical Communications Engineered for Full Spectrum Solutions (ACCESS) project, MDA Systems Ltd. has developed a cost-effective and secure communications framework. The project successfully reached its Component 2 phase with the deployment of a system capable of delivering high-bandwidth, low-latency communications in remote, northern environments.
• Labforge: In a challenge focused on Arctic security, Labforge created Snow Flea, a ground-based tactical electronic warfare system for safekeeping assets in sub-zero environments.

• Dartmouth Ocean Technologies Inc. developed an eDNA sensor technology to detect the presence of marine mammals through "debris" in the water, offering a new approach to underwater environmental surveillance.

Other funded projects included GlobVision’s AI-enabled space situational awareness platform and Jasco’s neural networks for marine mammal detection, both showcasing the breadth of innovative capabilities supported through IDEaS Competitive Projects.

Competitive Projects by the numbers

Test Drives

Test Drives provide innovators with the opportunity to present solutions that have reached a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to address challenges faced by DND/CAF. The solutions are tested in real-world environments and, where feasible, selected innovators have the chance to observe the testing process.

Highlights from 2023-24

The program continued to test and evaluate promising solutions. Notably, a cybersecurity platform developed by Sapper Labs successfully completed its evaluation, while the green energy project at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston advanced closer to implementation. More test drives are expected in the coming year.

Test drives by the numbers

Since 2018, IDEaS has received 13 Test Drive requests, approving four projects for a total funding commitment of $39.5 million. A Test Drive is DND/CAF’s opportunity to evaluate an innovator’s high-readiness solution in a real operational environment, assessing its potential for future integration. Each approved project undergoes rigorous testing by a designated DND/CAF client, with IDEaS funding the contract for the solution and the client providing personnel, equipment, and other operational support.

Ongoing Test Drive:

• Green Heat – Kingston Energy Storage (details below) is testing renewable heating and energy storage solutions for CAF infrastructure to reduce emissions and enhance energy resilience across military facilities.

Completed Test Drives:

• Sapper Labs –Canadian Active Cyber Defence Platform (CACDP): Sapper Labs developed a prototype capability for the Canadian Active Cyber Defence Platform (CACDP). This technology helps special forces protect their networks by finding and stopping advanced threats. It uses smart technology (like AI) to find harmful activity on important networks and helps cyber teams respond faster and more effectively. This tool was tested by Canada’s Special Operations Forces.
• Ecopia – Digitizing the World Using AI: Ecopia tested its AI software that automatically creates maps and finds things like cars, ships, or buildings from satellite images. The Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) used this to see what was happening on the ground more quickly and on a very large scale.
• TerraSense Analytics – MIST: TerraSense Analytics tested its Multimodal Input Surveillance & Tracking (MIST) technology. This is a tool that watches video feeds from drones and other sensors, using AI to spot and track people, vehicles, or other important objects. It helps analysts quickly find what matters in large amounts of video footage. This was tested to support Canada’s military and its allies.

Innovation Networks

Innovation Networks serves as a platform for fostering collaboration, creating new connections, and encouraging the free exchange of ideas—all of which are essential for driving innovation.

By partnering with academic institutions and private sector leaders, IDEaS aims to establish a comprehensive network of expertise to meet Canada’s evolving defence and security needs. Through Innovation Networks, the program seeks to collaborate with academia, industry, and other stakeholders to form micro-networks, or micro-nets.

These micro-nets focus on advancing solutions across TRLs 1 to 6, addressing specific challenges faced by DND/CAF and their safety and security partners.

Highlights from 2023-24

Innovation Networks by the numbers

Contests

Whether the purpose is to strengthen continental defence, advance military technologies, or anticipate future global threats, contests provide innovators with a platform to face their competition head-to-head and push boundaries. By participating in and being selected for these contests, innovators gain the opportunity to secure grant prizes that will propel their research and development.

IDEaS contests seek ground-breaking ideas, concepts and prototypes that offer solutions to complex and high-impact problems in defence and security. Contests welcome innovations at various stages of development, with TRLs ranging from 1 to 6.

Highlights from 2023-24

Contests by the numbers

Spotlight – Pop up city

In the final round, in August 2023 at CFB Suffield, in Alberta, three teams demonstrated innovative, portable solutions that could be deployed in standard shipping containers and showed at least a 33% increase in efficiency across energy, water, and waste systems.

The Contest concluded with a grand prize of $2 million awarded to the best integrated solution of those demonstrated during the final round. Circular City, led by Innocorps Research Corporation, emerged as the winner, securing the top prize by demonstrating the most effective utilities management system for RTCs. Their solution featured a portable high-recovery reverse osmosis water treatment system that maximized greywater reuse, provided on-demand warm water, and featured a smart-grid battery solution that activated generators only when needed.

Other finalists included:

• Autonomous Resilient Community Systems (ARCS), led by Terragon Environmental Technologies Inc., whose system combined solar panels and wind turbines with a robust waste incinerator capable of safely processing both solid and liquid waste, including petroleum-based materials.
• Integrated Utility Management System (IUMS), led by SNC-Lavalin, which introduced the Grengine platform, a lightweight, scalable energy solution using plug-and-play battery and inverter racks and an advanced microgrid that integrated seamlessly with water and waste systems.

Their technologies have potential applications beyond defence, including disaster relief and remote community support, and have attracted interest from organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross.

Sandboxes

Sandboxes offer a valuable opportunity for innovators to showcase their products to DND/CAF experts, allowing them to demonstrate the capabilities of their innovations in a real-world setting. These events provide an environment where innovators can present their expertise in solution development and gain observational feedback from key stakeholders, including DND/CAF personnel, and potential users.

Typically held at CAF bases or Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) research centres, sandboxes may also take place at other designated facilities.

The timing and location of each event are determined by various factors, including the availability of test environments (such as ranges), safety requirements, technical infrastructure, seasonal weather conditions, and logistical considerations such as transportation, accommodations, communications, and security.

Highlights from 2023-24

Sandboxes by the numbers

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Additional R&D highlights from 2023-24

The Hospital for Sick Children received $449,500 to focus on research related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specifically on brain and mental health analytics.

Centech received $27,000 to lead an event aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.

Additionally, contribution agreements with a total value of $4.5 million were signed to modernize the manufacturing of munitions in Canada.

Research and development by the numbers

IDEaS Marketplace

The IDEaS Marketplace was launched in June 2022 and has become the premier event of the IDEaS program. This event facilitates collaboration among academia, industry, and government partners, with the goal of assisting innovators in finding additional funding to bring their innovations to market. It also provides a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing challenges beyond traditional defence technologies.

As part of its broader impact, the IDEaS program also responded to national priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, $5 million in agreements was awarded and 60 proposals were funded across two phases. Many of these projects were featured at the 2023 IDEaS Marketplace.

The 2023 iteration brought together more than 450 stakeholders and 570 attendees with 72 booths showcasing 64 innovative solutions, from innovators funded through the program’s second and third calls for proposals (2019-2020), the COVID-19 call for proposals and academia-led research clusters on autonomous systems and advanced materials. The COVID-19 call for proposals highlighted advancements to support future pandemic responses.

The event achieved several key program objectives:

• Increased awareness of IDEaS program innovations.
• Provided DND/CAF stakeholders with insight into newly developed technologies.
• Facilitated interactions between IDEaS innovators and potential public and private sector end-users.
• Highlighted cutting-edge research in advanced materials and autonomous systems.
• Showcased contributions to the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
• Created networking opportunities for the IDEaS alumni community.

Marketplace 2023 by the numbers

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Innovation Support Referral program

In May 2023, the IDEaS Innovation Support Referral (ISR) program was officially launched. This program aims to provide additional support to IDEaS innovators by connecting them with external government partners who can help them access further funding and advisory services.

To strengthen these efforts, IDEaS has been working to establish Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)’s Accelerated Growth Services (AGS) as a key partner and recipient of IDEaS referrals.

In FY 2023–24, IDEaS referred 74 unique innovators and a total of 105 solutions to AGS. As a result, several of these innovators are now working with an AGS Innovation Advisor, receiving expert and tailored support to assist them in the next step of their innovation journey.

The ISR program is available to all innovators who have completed or are in the process of completing advanced projects under Competitive Projects (Component 1B), Innovation Networks, and Contests.

Outreach and partnerships

IDEaS partners with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) to encourage the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the program. With five regional offices across Canada, PAC offers extensive knowledge of local subject-matter expert (SME) communities and maintains strong relationships with both suppliers and buyers. Through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with each region, PAC has expanded outreach efforts by organizing and participating in events and delivering information sessions to potential IDEaS innovators.

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Looking forward

After its first five years, the IDEaS program has evolved significantly, reflecting the changing landscape of defence and security as well as Canada’s expanding role on the global stage. The world we face today is vastly different from the one we confronted just five months ago, let alone five years ago.

New and emerging threats—from cyberattacks to geopolitical tensions—are reshaping the way we think about defence, security, and sovereignty. These threats are increasingly complex and interconnected, underscoring the need for a dynamic and resilient defence ecosystem that is uniquely Canadian.

IDEaS has been central in fostering this innovation-driven approach, tapping into Canada’s vibrant innovation ecosystem to strengthen our national security. As the pace of technological change and global competition accelerates, the program’s role in advancing Canada’s defence capabilities has never been more critical. By investing in cutting-edge science and technology, we are not only enhancing our ability to defend Canada but also ensuring our sovereignty and leadership on the world stage.

Looking forward, IDEaS will continue to support and drive core defence and security priorities identified by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, while expanding its focus into new and emerging domains—such as cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum, and space—where Canada can lead. Building collaborations and forging partnerships across sectors, IDEaS will help create the necessary linkages to bolster Canada’s defence ecosystem. The program will empower innovators to contribute to a more secure Canada while supporting our ability to respond swiftly to evolving challenges and threats.

By harnessing innovation, fostering collaboration, and leveraging Canadian ingenuity, IDEaS will boldly help guide us into the future of defence and security. By working collaboratively, we will ensure that Canada remains strong, sovereign, and resilient in the face of a rapidly changing world.

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