Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Turning cutting‑edge ideas into real‑world defence and security solutions can be difficult without access to the right funding, expertise, and testing environment. For Canadian innovators working on advanced technologies, the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program offers a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with the Canadian Armed Forces while receiving meaningful financial support. Delivered by the Department of National Defence, IDEaS invites startups, small and medium‑sized businesses, and larger enterprises from across Canada to tackle pressing and future defence and security challenges.

Rather than funding generic research, IDEaS is structured around specific challenges identified by Canada’s defence and security community. Businesses can submit solutions that address these needs and, if selected, receive non‑repayable funding that can reach into the millions, depending on the stage and scope of the project. Beyond funding, participants gain access to valuable feedback from military experts, opportunities to test and refine their technologies, and connections within Canada’s growing defence innovation ecosystem. This makes the program particularly attractive for companies in aerospace, defence, and other advanced technology fields looking to validate or scale novel solutions.

IDEaS is typically open to new ideas on an ongoing basis as challenges evolve, making it worth monitoring for businesses with relevant technologies. Exploring the full program details can help determine how your innovation might align with current or upcoming defence priorities.