This new program gives small businesses an opportunity to support cutting-edge research and the development of technology and products that will help solve challenges issued by the Government of Canada.

Review current challenges below and propose your solution.

PHASE 1 | If your solution is selected, you could receive up to $150,000 (up to 6 months) in funding toward developing your solutions as a proof of concept.

PHASE 2 | With a successful concept, you would then be eligible to receive up to $1 million (up to 2 years) in funding to support prototype development.

PHASE 3 | Now you have a working prototype, your small business is on the pathway to commercialization of the product and the federal government could be your first buyer.

• Connected Vehicle and Engineered Surfaces Challenge
  Sponsoring department: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
  This challenge seeks novel solutions that incorporate Frequency Selected Engineered Surfaces (FSES) technology into connected vehicle designs as a means to move towards wireless connectivity within vehicles, and as a tool to manage interference emanating from vehicles into other vehicles, and into the overall urban environment.
• Engineered Surfaces Challenge
  Sponsoring department: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
  This challenge seeks novel solutions that incorporate the use of Frequency Selective Engineered Surfaces (FSES) in the research and development of new building materials, construction products and design tools using FSES tuned to operate in the below 6GHz (potentially addressing the WiFi interference issue) and above 24GHz range (potentially addressing the issues of radio frequency propagation).
• Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics for Advanced Autonomous Space Systems
  Sponsoring department: Canadian Space Agency
  The challenge is to apply artificial intelligence and big data analytics to bring tangible advancements in the operation and utilization of space assets in support of government operations, public safety, public health and discovery.
• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Metal Powder Bed Density Test Equipment
  Sponsoring department: National Research Council of Canada
  Seeks new solutions to enable the testing of metal powder bed density in additive manufacturing processes.
• Advanced Coatings and Materials for Personal Protective Ensembles
  Sponsoring department: Department of National Defence
  To identify and develop innovative solutions and technologies for materials and coatings to enhance Individual Protective Ensembles to counter Chemical/Biological/Radiological threats.
• Robust “Beyond Line of Sight” (BLOS) Communications in Satellite-Denied Environments
  Sponsoring department: Department of National Defence
  To provide robust approaches to over-the-horizon/BLOS communications in satellite-denied environments.

New challenges will be posted regularly. To make sure you are advised of opportunities, subscribe to the program’s mailing list.