Applicant guide

1. IDEaS contests

The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program supports, expands, and sustains Science & Technology (S&T) community capacity outside of the Department of National Defence (DND), enabling the development of innovative solutions to Canada’s current and future defence and security needs. These solutions are critical for helping Canada and its allies stay ahead of emerging threats while delivering knowledge and economic benefits.

Through dynamic contests, IDEaS invites participants to address priority defence challenges from strengthening continental defence to advancing military technologies and anticipating future risks. These contests provide a platform to innovate, collaborate with military experts, and contribute to a culture of excellence.

2. Challenge statement

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is a program of the Department of National Defence (DND) designed to foster innovation in support of Canada’s defence and security. Through competitive funding mechanisms, IDEaS enables collaboration between innovators, researchers, Indigenous communities, industry, and academia to address complex defence challenges.

This Call for Proposals seeks innovative solutions to enhance the delivery of medical care in austere operational environments where resources, infrastructure, and logistical support are limited. Proposals should account for factors such as environmental conditions, durability, ease of use, minimal training requirements, and operational constraints.

The call includes two distinct but related streams, each addressing a critical capability gap affecting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations. Applicants must clearly indicate the funding stream their proposal supports. Applicants may submit proposals to one or both streams. Each proposal must be submitted separately and stand on its own merit.

Proposed solutions should emphasize portability, efficiency, and operational suitability, with particular attention to size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, as well as logistical considerations, including those relevant to Northern (Arctic) deployments.

Submissions are expected to demonstrate a credible balance between innovation and operational feasibility, supported by realistic assumptions regarding performance, reliability, and deployment conditions.

This call invites proposals for low-SWaP medical technologies aimed at improving oxygen delivery and sustaining surgical capability in challenging operational environments.

3. Funding streams

3.1 Forward oxygen delivery

Objective

To develop a portable, high-performance oxygen delivery capability suitable for forward deployment.

Challenge

Current oxygen delivery methods depend on heavy, finite pressurized cylinders and pose logistical and safety risks such as fire and explosion. Existing portable solutions, such as oxygen concentrators, are rugged and deployable but are unable to achieve sufficient flow rates to deliver high fractional inspired oxygen (FiO₂) during provision of prolonged field care.

Desired outcome

Applicants should target:

• Systems that are portable (e.g. fit in a rucksack) and do not require pressurized O₂ cylinders.
• Systems that can be adjusted to provide variable FiO₂ in accordance with casualties’ needs (both ventilated and spontaneously breathing) and,
• Systems that can achieve and sustain FiO₂ >0.8 for >4 hours. A credible pathway to achieving these levels under operational conditions should also be demonstrated.

3.2 Sustainable surgical capability

Objective

To enable forward surgical teams to sustain surgical operations with minimal reliance on external resupply.

Challenge

Forward surgical teams face limited availability of surgical supplies and consumables. Existing methods for sustaining these supplies (e.g. sterilization or additive manufacture) often require high SWaP systems, infrastructure, or centralized logistics. Highly portable alternatives frequently lack sufficient throughput, reliability, or clinical suitability for sustained operations.

Desired outcome

Proposed solutions should demonstrate credible performance in terms of throughput, reliability, and clinical suitability, with clear justification of how they support sustained surgical operations in austere environments.

4. Contest structure

Overview and funding

DND/CAF are calling on innovators to propose low-SWaP medical solutions to improve oxygen delivery and sustain surgical capability in austere operational environments. The contest provides grants to selected participants, distributed across two fiscal years to support the development and demonstration of breakthrough technologies.

The contest unfolds through a two-phase, stage-gated process, where prizes are awarded at each stage based on evaluation against pre-established criteria, driving both innovation and measurable progress. In the event that only one participant remains, the challenge will continue to the next stage to ensure that strong, strategically relevant solutions are recognized and supported.

The total funding available under this Contest is $2.8 million over two fiscal years. The duration for the provision of funding is March 31, 2028.

Round One – Proposal submission

In Round One, applicants must complete a proposal submission form describing their innovation and how it aligns with the challenge. Participants are encouraged to propose cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance current systems but also anticipate and adapt to emerging threats. Proposals will be evaluated to identify a group of semi-finalists. Selected semi-finalists will receive a grant and advance to Round Two.

Round One provides:

• Up to 10 semi-finalists across both streams
• $180,000 per semi-finalist

Call for Proposals (CFP) closing date and time

Round One is intended to identify promising technical concepts and feasible approaches. While full prototyping is not required at this stage, applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility and provide a clear pathway for development and testing in the next round.

Advancement to subsequent rounds is based solely on meeting the evaluation criteria provided to participants for each phase. Selection does not depend on the number of participants advancing. If only one participant meets the criteria in a given round, that participant will still advance or be considered for prizes, provided all requirements are met. This approach ensures that progression is determined by merit and project quality, while maintaining fairness and transparency.

Round Two - demonstration / presentation

Round Two will take place approximately one year after the selection of semi-finalists from Round One. During this phase, semi-finalists will present their projects through a demonstration or presentation. Evaluators and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will assess each project’s progress and the impact of its innovation. Evaluations may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on project requirements. The highest-performing projects will advance to be considered for the grand prize. Additional details on evaluation criteria will be provided prior to the demonstration phase.

Grand prize

Following the demonstrations, the evaluation team will review all Round Two projects to identify those that demonstrate outstanding innovation and measurable advancement. Based on these evaluations, winning project(s) will be selected and awarded additional financial incentives for achieving the highest levels of innovation and impact throughout the contest.

5. Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Applicants must be a legal entity duly incorporated under Canadian federal or provincial law and validly existing in Canada, including:

• Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada.
• Incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organizations or associations.
• Incorporated Canadian for-profit companies, organizations, or associations.
• Canadian provincial / territorial, or municipal government organizations.

Federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations are not eligible for funding.

6. Submission requirements

6.1 Contest proposal form

Applicants must use the Contest proposal form. For submission details, refer to the instructions below. Applicants are and will remain solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their submission. Applicants should read the applicant guide and the challenge statement in its entirety prior to submitting their proposal.

The proposal must be submitted by an eligible Canadian applicant organization / institution, by the stated deadline, using the Contest Proposal form template. No proposal submissions will be accepted after the deadline. Proposals not using the Contest form will not be accepted for consideration.

6.1.1 Downloading and completing the proposal form

To complete and save the PDF form, you must first download it to your computer and open it using Adobe Reader© 10 or a later version.

For Windows (PC) users

• Right-click the form link and select “Save link as” or “Save target as”
• Choose a location on your computer to save the PDF file
• Navigate to the saved file
• Open the PDF with Adobe Reader© 10 or a later version
• If prompted, enable JavaScript
• Complete the form and save your changes

For Mac users

• Hold the Control key (Ctrl) and click on the link
• Select “Save link as” or “Download linked file as”
• Choose a location on your computer to save the PDF file
• Navigate to the saved file
• Open the PDF with Adobe Reader© 10 or a later version
• If prompted, enable JavaScript
• Complete the form and save your changes

6.2 Proposal submission

Applicants are required to register and submit their proposal(s) using the CPC Connect digital platform provided by Canada Post Corporation (CPC). CPC Connect is a digital delivery platform that facilitates sending and receiving confidential messages and documents. Proposals will not be accepted by email. It is the applicant’s responsibility to create an account with CPC Connect and to complete the submission steps to submit the proposal.

• Request your Connect conversation (step 2 below) at least five (5) days prior to the CFP closing.
• Classified proposals will not be accepted for this CFP.

6.3 Submission steps

6.4 Transmission issues or late submissions

DND will not be responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the proposal including, but not limited to, the following:

• Receipt of a garbled, corrupted or incomplete proposal;
• Availability or condition of the CPC Connect service;
• Incompatibility between sending and receiving equipment;
• Delay in transmission or receipt of the proposal;
• Illegibility of the proposal;
• Security of proposal data; or
• Inability to create an electronic conversation through the CPC Connect service.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Records will be kept documenting the transaction history of all late submissions. The only acceptable evidence of submission time and date is the CPC Connect service timestamp recorded in the conversation history that clearly indicates that the proposal was submitted before the deadline.

7. Proposal evaluation and basis of selection

DND is committed to a consistent, fair, and transparent process for selecting projects that align with program objectives. Proposals will be evaluated within their selected stream, taking into account the specific technical and operational challenges associated with that stream.

Proposals will undergo a two-step evaluation process:

• Compliance check to ensure all mandatory criteria have been met.
• Evaluation by DND/CAF representatives and/or subject matter experts using the point-rated criteria.

Final selections will be made based on strategic considerations. Proposals will be evaluated and scored according to the criteria listed in Annex A - Evaluation Criteria.

7.1 Mandatory criteria

Each proposal will be assessed against the mandatory criteria. Only proposals that meet all mandatory criteria will proceed to the next evaluation phase. Proposals that fail to meet any mandatory criteria will be deemed ineligible and will not move forward in the selection process.

7.2 Point-rated criteria

Proposals that meet all mandatory criteria will advance to Step 2, where they will be evaluated and scored according to point-rated criteria.

7.3 Proposal selection

DND/CAF will consider the evaluation results and may make funding decisions based on strategic parameters, such as:

• Defence and security alignment: The degree to which the proposal responds to specific defence and security challenge(s) expressed in a CFP.
• Scientific Quality and Innovation: The degree to which the proposal demonstrates that the initiative is scientifically and technologically innovative and feasible.
• Management and Scientific Capabilities: The degree to which the Recipient demonstrates possession of the required managerial and scientific capability to successfully undertake the project or create and manage an effective and creative network.
• Collaboration: The degree to which the project demonstrates appropriate engagement with external partners (e.g. Canadian industry, academia, research institutes, or other stakeholders), where such collaboration enhances project’s feasibility, expertise, or operational relevance.
• Benefits to Canada: The degree to which the proposal demonstrates that the initiative is expected to benefit Canada’s defence and security sectors. Benefits may also include how the proposal will lead to more innovative defence and security sector(s) in Canada, how research results may support the next generation of manufacturing and/or services in Canada, and any other longer-term economic benefits.

Selection decisions are final. There is no appeal process. DND may select one, multiple, or no proposal at its sole discretion.

8. Privacy notice statement

DND will comply with the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act with respect to proposals received. By submitting personal information, applicants consent to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the following Privacy Notice Statement, which explains how the applicant's information will be managed.

Necessary measures have been taken to protect the confidentiality of the information provided by applicants. This information is collected under the authority of DND’s terms and conditions for the IDEaS Transfer Payment program.

Personal information included in all proposals will be kept along with the proposal results as Information Records of Business Value and retained. These data are protected under the Access to Information and Privacy Acts. According to the Privacy Act, data linked to an individual and included in the proposal being evaluated can be accessed by the specific concerned individual who has rights with respect to this information. This individual may, upon request, (1) be given access to their personal information by making an official privacy request through DND for the attention of the Director, Access to Information and Privacy (DAIP) and (2) have incorrect information corrected or have a notation attached.

The Access to Information Act governs the protection and disclosure of information, confidential or otherwise, supplied to a federal government institution.

Paragraph 20(1) (b) of the Act states that a government institution [such as DND] shall refuse to disclose any record requested under the Act that contains financial, commercial, scientific or technical information that is confidential information supplied to a government institution by a third party and is treated consistently in a confidential manner by the third party.

Paragraph 20(1) (b) of the Act sets out two mandatory criteria to protect applicants’ confidential information supplied to DND from disclosure. First, the applicants’ documents supplied to DND must contain financial, commercial, scientific or technical information. Second, the applicant must consistently treat such information in a confidential manner. In other words, DND will protect the applicant’s confidential information in its possession as much as the applicant protects said confidential information in their own establishment.

Any Privacy or Access to Information request made under their respective Act and completed, will be retained by DAIP for a duration of two (2) years following the date the request was responded to. After the retention period of two (2) years, the Privacy or Access to Information request file will be destroyed.

For additional information on privacy matters prior to submitting a proposal, please contact:
Director, Access to Information and Privacy (DAIP)
Department of National Defence (DND)
Telephone: direct: 613-992-0996 or toll free: 1-888-272-8207
Email: ATIP-AIPRP@forces.gc.ca

Applicants shall note that key information related to all grant and contributions agreements (e.g., amount and name of the recipient) will be made available to the public on Government of Canada websites.

9. Enquiries about this Call For Proposal

It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain clarification of the requirements contained herein, before submitting a proposal. Applicants must send enquiries no later than five (5) calendar days before CFP closing date to the IDEaS mailbox at: ideascontests.ideesconcours@forces.gc.ca.

Note: enquiries received after that time may not be answered.
Applicants must:

• Reference as accurately as possible the numbered item of this CFP to which the enquiry relates.
• Provide sufficient detail to enable an accurate response.

10. General information

Applicants selected for funding will undergo a due diligence assessment to evaluate the capacity and experience of the applicant to implement the proposed project. If all criteria for funding are met, a project will be conditionally approved subject to successful negotiation of a contribution agreement between the applicant and DND. This due diligence step is mandatory to be considered for funding.

10.1 Intellectual property

All intellectual property rights that arise, as a result of this Contest, shall vest in the recipient.

10.2 Funding

Funding for this contest will be provided via grants.

10.3 Public announcements and publications

The Government of Canada retains the right to make primary announcements about the contest. The recipient must, prior to any public announcement or publication, provide notification and a copy of the announcement or publication, including without limiting, proposed scientific publications, reports, demonstrations, conference proceedings and presentations arising from the project’s work to IDEaS for review and to determine if information could be sensitive or prejudicial to national security to which DND may impose measures for the recipient to protect national security.

10.4 Research security

In March 2021, the Government of Canada released a Research Security Policy Statement encouraging all members of the research community, including academia, private sector, and government to take extra precautions to protect the security of research, intellectual property, and knowledge development. Canada is working to develop specific risk guidelines to integrate national security considerations into the evaluation and funding of research projects and partnerships. These guidelines will better position researchers, research institutions and government funders to undertake consistent, risk-targeted due diligence of potential risks to research security and provide recommendations for complementary tools and measures to ensure researchers and research organizations working with national security partners have the capacity and resources necessary to implement the guidance.

When available, it is envisioned that the guidelines will be integrated in the due diligence assessment process undertaken by DND in support of research and development initiatives. In the meantime, recipients are encouraged to work collaboratively to identify and mitigate potential security risks by utilizing existing tools available through the Safeguarding Your Research portal and Safeguarding Science's workshops. Recipients should conduct consistent and appropriate due diligence review of potential security risks to research activities and put in place timely measures to appropriately mitigate these risks. DND may review project activities on national security grounds to ensure any national security risks are identified and addressed.

10.5 M-30 for Québec Applicants

The Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil Exécutif (M-30) may apply to an applicant that is a municipal body, school body, or agency located in the Province of Québec. As part of the proposal, these applicants will be required to complete an additional information form and, if they are subject to the requirements of the Act, to obtain written authorization and approval from the Government of Québec prior to receiving funds from DND.

Annex A – Evaluation criteria

Applicants must complete the Contest Proposal form with sufficient detail to enable Canada to assess the proposal against the established evaluation criteria. The information should clearly demonstrate how the proposal meets each criterion.

Part 1: Mandatory criteria

Proposals must achieve a “Pass” for all mandatory criteria to advance to Part 2. Proposals that fail to meet any mandatory criteria will be disqualified and will not receive further consideration.

Part 2: Rated criteria

If a proposal provides insufficient or no information for a criterion, it may result in a failing score or zero points being awarded.

How to apply

Before preparing your submission, carefully read the Applicant Guide to ensure you understand all requirements.

To submit a proposal, follow the instructions outlined in Section 6: Submission requirements of the Applicant Guide.

Important: Proposals will only be accepted through a CPC Connect account. No email submission will be accepted.

Applicants must complete and submit the DND proposal form before the application deadline to be eligible for participation in the challenge.

Required document:

• DND Proposal Form (d6184-EN) [PDF: 61.4 Kb]

  *Refer to Section 6.1.1 for instructions on how to download the DND Proposal Form based on your browser type.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a legal entity duly incorporated under Canadian federal or provincial law and validly existing in Canada.

Eligible applicants:

• Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada.
• Incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organizations or associations.
• Incorporated Canadian for-profit companies, organizations, or associations.
• Canadian provincial/territorial, or municipal government organizations.

Federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations are not eligible for funding.

Deadline

This contest opens on August 27, 2026. Proposals must be submitted no later than Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. EDT.