As part of Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, the Department of National Defence (DND) has launched the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program. The IDEaS Program supports, increases and sustains science and technology (S&T) community capacity external to DND that can generate new ideas and formulate solutions to Canada’s current and future defence and security Innovation Challenges. These innovative solutions are critical for Canada and its allies to mitigate new threats and stay ahead of potential adversaries, while generating knowledge and economic benefits for Canada. Innovators willing to develop solutions to emerging problems from their own unique perspectives are encouraged to participate in the IDEaS Program.

IDEaS aims to encourage and progress innovative solutions along the Solution Readiness Level (SRL) maturity scale, as described on the IDEaS website (https://canada-preview.adobecqms.net/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas/solution-readiness-level.html).

This Call for Proposals (CFP) is an invitation to innovators to submit innovative S&T proposals in support of Canada’s defence, security and public safety. DND is looking for novel ideas and innovative solutions to resolve S&T challenges under the following areas:

  • Rapid response: Real-time insights for pandemic decision-making;
  • Scrubbing your scrubs: Finding ways to re-use COVID-19 protective gear; and
  • Super sanitize: Cleaning sensitive equipment and workplaces.

For the Public Safety community these challenges are in support of the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP). The CSSP mission is to strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, serious accidents, and crime and terrorism through the convergence of S&T with policy, operations, and intelligence.

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program: COVID-19 Challenges call for proposals