The Canadian Army launches MINERVA Initiative’s first innovation challenge
News release
May 21, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Army, with support from the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, is announcing the launch of the first innovation challenge under the MINERVA Initiative — True north precision: Low-cost drones with laser ranging.
This inaugural challenge seeks to advance the development of innovative and affordable general purpose uncrewed aerial systems capable of providing accurate range, target cueing, and impact adjustment information. These capabilities will support indirect fire missions and enhance battlefield awareness for the Canadian Army by improving:
- situational awareness and decision-making;
- soldier safety and survivability;
- sensor-to-shooter integration for indirect fire; and
- operational resilience in harsh environmental conditions.
Development funding, up to $2.1 million in total, will be available to innovators to develop low-cost solutions for targeting and range finding using small drones.
The True north precision challenge marks the first milestone in a series of challenges under the MINERVA Initiative. These challenges will bring together defence and security partners from government, industry, and the Canadian Army to collaboratively develop, test, and mature emerging technologies to support military operations.
The Government of Canada continues to engage the Canadian innovation ecosystem to strengthen collaboration with industry and advance general purpose uncrewed systems. These systems are fundamental to Canada’s national security, offering the persistence and responsiveness that complement land power capabilities while maintaining a domestically sustainable capability.
Quotes
“The MINERVA Initiative reflects our commitment to equipping the Canadian Army with cutting-edge, cost-effective capabilities that deliver real results in the field. By harnessing Canadian innovation and strengthening partnerships across sectors, we are developing smarter tools that enhance decision-making and support our soldiers where it matters most.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“We are investing in innovation that will redefine operational effectiveness and safeguard our soldiers on tomorrow’s battlefields. Through the MINERVA Initiative, we are accelerating the delivery of affordable, high-impact uncrewed system technologies — while shaping a more agile, collaborative, and forward-learning procurement partnership with industry. MINERVA will involve the soldiers, as the end users of the capabilities, and bring them together with industry so that solutions are grounded in operational reality.”
Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army
Quick facts
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Following the initial industry engagements on December 2, 2025, and January 29, 2026, the MINERVA Initiative team hosted three additional industry working groups in February and March 2026, which focused on operational concepts and requirements for general purpose uncrewed systems.
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The MINERVA Initiative is an opportunity for industry to deliver Canadian supply chain-supported solutions that are collaboratively developed to suit operational conditions and environments.
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The IDEaS program connects the Department of National Defence (DND) with Canadian innovators through defence and security challenges, supporting technologies from early concept to real‑world testing. The True north precision challenge is Army-led, with support from IDEaS.
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DND continues to work closely with Canadian industry partners to build a strong and resilient defence industrial base that supports Canada’s defence and economic needs for decades to come.
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This challenge is being supported by the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS).
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca