The Department of National Defence has released five new challenges for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program that includes space.
The five new challenges are as follows:
- Gateway to the stars: Advancing hybrid space networks in low Earth orbit – The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative research and development (R&D) solutions that demonstrate space-based communication gateways connecting diverse space-based assets. The goal is to advance future hybrid space networks (HSNs) providing a secure and resilient information eco-system, especially in remote and Northern locations.
- Time without limits: Developing tactical-grade clocks for GPS-denied environments in the North – The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative tactical-grade solutions that offer precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments and in extreme northern environments. The objective is to develop a tactical-grade clock that can operate with an extremely high level of precision and with exceptional size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics.
- Code meets combat: Architecting the future of electromagnetic spectrum superiority – The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative solutions to enable precision planning of offensive electronic warfare (EW) operations, while ensuring that friendly forces are not disrupted by electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) fratricide, which is the accidental interference with their own electronic signals. This challenge calls for the development of a next-generation analytic EMS management system.
- Beyond GPS: Quantum solutions for next generation multistatic radar systems – The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking a quantum optics solution for phase synchronization between local radar oscillators where the transmitters and receivers are separated by long distances in a netted radar system, to ensure accurate targets’ detection and measurement. A netted radar system is a collection of multiple spatially diverse radars with overlapping coverage areas.
- Powering the future: Solid-state hydrogen storage for military platforms – The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative solid-state hydrogen storage solutions to support the decarbonization of military ground vehicles, thus enabling their safe use in operational environments. The goal is to integrate these systems into military logistics, enabling Canadian Army vehicles to be refueled and maintained in the field. Overcoming challenges related to storage capacity, weight, and durability is essential for successful implementation.
Each challenge can reach up to $6.75 million in funding depending on the Technology Readiness Level. Proposals must be submitted by October 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.