Canadian Space Agency (CSA) logo
Image credit: Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has opened its next funding call under its Space Technology Development Program (STDP), offering up to $12 million in non-repayable contributions to Canadian organizations.

The initiative aims to boost industrial competitiveness and accelerate the development of critical space technologies ranging from early-stage concepts to near-market solutions.

There are three funding streams:

NASA Technology Readiness Levels
NASA Technology Readiness Levels. Credit: NASA
  1. AO 10.1: Advanced Technologies (Short-to-Medium Term)
    • Focus: This is the largest stream with a $9M total budget, targeting mature technologies ready for commercialization within 2 to 5 years.
    • Goal: Projects should advance technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or 6.
    • Funding: Up to $1 million per project.
  2. AO 10.2: Small Businesses
    • Focus: $2M total budget for smaller players to ensure they can compete and innovate.
    • Eligibility: Restricted to organizations with 50 or fewer employees. Projects aiming at TRL higher than TRL-6 are not eligible.
    • Funding: Up to $350,000 per project.
  3. AO 10.3: Next Wave of Technologies (Medium-to-Long Term)
    • Focus: Aimed at earlier-stage, lower-maturity innovations ($1M total budget) with a longer horizon for commercialization (5 to 10 years).
    • Goal: Projects should bring early concepts to TRL 3 or 4.
    • Funding: Up to $500,000 per project.

Important eligibility and constraints:

  • Who Can Apply: Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Academic institutions are excluded from applying as primary recipients but may participate as subcontractors or partners.
  • Cost Sharing: The CSA will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs; applicants must fund the remaining 25%.
  • Exclusions: The call specifically excludes technologies already covered by other initiatives, such as Earth observation data processing, deep-space healthcare, and food production systems.

The timeframe for projects is typically between 24 to 36 months. Applicants must register by February 6, 2026 with an application deadline of March 13, 2026 and an estimated project start date of July 1, 2026.

Marc Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor, podcaster and publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media. Marc has 30+ years working in various roles in media, space sector not-for-profits, and internet content development.

Marc started his first Internet creator content business in 1992 and hasn't looked back. When not working Marc loves to explore Canada, the world and document nature through his photography.

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