Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Urban Sandbox Prize – IDEaS – DND 2027
Sponsor
Department of National Defence (DND)
Program
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Description
IDEaS is seeking solutions that can detect, track and identify micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an urban environment. From July 26 to 30, 2027, demonstrate your cutting-edge technology in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Ontario.
What IDEaS provides:
- Five days of access to a full counter uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS) urban test environment in Ottawa, Ontario.
- On-site interaction with representatives from the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as well as security partners from the United States Secretariat for Special Operations, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and others.
- $1.75 million in total prizes for the most promising solutions.
What innovators bring:
- Advanced prototypes capable of detecting, tracking; and identifying our micro and mini UAS.
- High calibre solutions to outsmart our team’s drones.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals
- Academia
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Industry
- Provincial, territorial and municipal organizations
- Companies outside of Canada
Prize
$1.75 million in total prizes for the most promising solutions.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Application to be submitted to DND via Defence Innovation Portal. |
How to Apply
Important - New application process
All applications must be submitted through the DIP. Applications submitted by any other means will not be accepted.
A DIP account is required before you can submit an application. If you do not already have a DIP account, you are encouraged to create one well in advance of the application deadline to allow sufficient time for account registration and access.
Application process
Step 1 – Review the Applicant Guide
Read the Applicant Guide before preparing your application. It explains the challenge requirements, eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, submission requirements and the application process.
Step 2 – Complete the following required documents
- Application and participant agreement for the counter uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS) 2027 (urban) sandbox (DND 6069) [PDF - 148KB]
- Company and solution overview
- Test plan
- Application for spectrum supportability (DND 552) [PDF - 117.3KB]
- Instructions – how to fill the DND 552 form [PDF - 343KB]
Note: Some browsers may not support all features required by the PDF forms. If you receive an error message or are unable to complete a form, download the file to your computer and open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you continue to experience difficulties, contact us at IDEaSSandboxes-EnvironnementsprotegesIDEeS@forces.gc.ca and we will provide a copy of the form directly.
Step 3 – Submit your application
Log in to your Defence Innovation Portal (DIP) account, complete the required information, upload the documents listed in Step 2 and submit your application before the deadline.
For More Information
Visit the Counter uncrewed aerial systems (urban) sandbox 2027 Program Website.