IDEaS NORAD Modernization S&T contest
Contests
Competition between innovators is the fuel we use to foster the best innovative solutions.
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is offering grants to support innovations and concepts that advance NORAD modernization science and technology (S&T) to future-proof North America's defence against aerospace and maritime threats. IDEaS is looking to fund early stage solutions (technology readiness levels (TRLs) 1-6) in the following domains:
- Quantum technologies
- Autonomous technologies
- Counter uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS)
- Arctic mobility and navigation of military platforms, including ships, land vehicles, and aircraft
- Scalable, energy-efficient and sustainable power and energy solutions for current and future Department of National Defence(DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) arctic requirements
What IDEaS provides
This contest invites innovators to tackle the key priorities outlined in Canada’s NORAD modernization plan. This contest will follow a stage-gated approach wherein successful applicants will undergo an evaluation and selection process to access financial incentives. The initial pool of funding for the first round of grants is $19M.
What innovators bring
Solutions at TRLs 1-6 that provide new perspectives and measures in the domains relevant to this challenge that support the defence of North America will be considered. The proposals must benefit Canada’s defence and security sectors and contribute broader long-term socio-economic including prioritizing, protecting and supporting Northern and Indigenous communities.
The challenge
IDEaS is offering grants to support innovations and concepts that advance NORAD modernization S&T to future-proof North America's defence against aerospace and maritime threats. In addition to bolstering NORAD and the CAFs’ ability to protect North America, the grants offer an opportunity for research and development collaborations that strengthen Canada's innovation and industrial sectors, and deepen DND’s strong Northern, territorial, and Indigenous partnerships.
The awards aim more specifically to support Canada’s NORAD modernization plan. In particular, this contest aims to support ongoing evolution of continental defence capabilities with investments supporting researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in assessing new and emerging threats, evolving research and development work, and co-developing innovative technological solutions in immediate priority areas.
Challenge topics
This call for proposals will concentrate on five key challenge areas that align with immediate priorities in Canada's NORAD modernization plan. While proposals targeting these focus areas are encouraged, applicants are also invited to submit proposals to explore related, innovative ideas within the defined challenge topics.
Topic | Area of Focus |
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Accelerating the development of quantum technologies |
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Advancing the state of the art of autonomous technologies |
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Advancing technological solutions to CUAS |
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Enhancing the Arctic mobility and navigation of military platforms, including ships, land vehicles, and aircrafts |
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Investigating scalable, energy-efficient and sustainable power and energy solutions for current and future DND/CAF arctic requirements |
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Proposal requirements:
Applicants must provide a clear and concise proposal summary that:
- Outlines the proposal's objectives and provides a detailed implementation plan.
- Demonstrates the potential outcomes and impacts, highlighting innovative scientific, technical, or technological solutions that align with the goals of NORAD modernization.
- Includes a feasibility assessment outlining proposal's capabilities and expected benefits, specifically in the context of enhancing North America's defence systems.
- Provides key performance indicators and identifies market potential, with a focus on long-term impact for Canada’s defence and security sectors.
- When applicable, incorporates Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices, recognizing the role of Indigenous communities in contributing to innovative solutions for defence and security.
Winners will be selected based on the alignment of their proposal with the challenge topic and its demonstrated potential for innovation and impact.
Contest structure
DND/CAF are seeking innovative solutions that will advance technologies that address emerging defence challenges and enhance operational capabilities. This contest invites Innovators to tackle the key priorities outlined in Canada’s NORAD Modernization Plan. This contest will follow a stage-gated approach wherein successful applicants will undergo an evaluation and selection process to access financial incentives.
The contest has three rounds:
- Round one – Proposal submission (semi-finalists selected)
During the first stage of the contest, all applicants will complete an online submission 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 establish a group of semi-finalists, who will receive a share of the $19M prize fund for this round and move on to participate in round two.
- Round two – Demonstration/presentation
Round two of this contest will occur one year after the selection of semi-finalists from round one. During this round, semi-finalists will present their projects through a demonstration or presentation, where evaluators and subject matter experts will assess each project’s progress and the impact of its innovations. To accommodate the diverse nature of these demonstrations, evaluations may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on project requirements. The highest-performing projects identified in this evaluation will advance to be considered for the grand prize. Further details on evaluation criteria will be provided ahead of the demonstration/presentation.
- Round three - Grand prize (finalists selected)
Following the demonstrations, the evaluation team will carefully review each project to identify those that have shown outstanding innovation, notable advancement, and novel ideas. Further financial incentives will be awarded to the project(s) that demonstrate the highest achievements in innovation and impact throughout the contest.
How to apply
To receive the applicant guide and instructions on how to apply, email the Contests team:
IDEaSContests.IDEeSConcours@forces.gc.ca
Eligibility
The applicant must be a legal entity duly incorporated 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.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 15:00 EST February 6, 2025.
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