Closed
Source verified August 21, 2026
Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station
Transportable Arctic optical communications system
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Funding available
$ 300,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Companies that meet the program eligibility criteria may submit a proposal.
See full eligibility
Overview
Développement d'une station mobile de liens optiques is a challenge for Canadian for-profit SMEs conducting R&D in Canada. It seeks a transportable optical ground station for Arctic low-Earth-orbit communications, focused on design, development, and demonstration of a modular system.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Design, development, and demonstration of a transportable optical ground station.
- Research and development to produce a proof of feasibility in Phase 1.
Documents Needed
- Official solicitation documents
- Tender notice for this specific challenge on CanadaBuys
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Companies that meet the program eligibility criteria may submit a proposal.
- For this challenge, only Phase 1 proposals are accepted.
- The proposed solution must be between TRL 1 and TRL 4.
Who is not eligible
- Phase 2 proposals are not accepted for this challenge.
- Solutions outside TRL 1 to 4 are not eligible for this phase.
Eligible expenses
- Salary costs
- Contractor and subcontractor fees
- Travel costs
- Indirect costs up to 15% of eligible costs
- Materials costs
- Patenting costs
- Capital costs for equipment, test tools, and instruments through use cost or depreciation
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applicable taxes
- Shipping costs
- Travel costs
- Living expenses
Selection criteria
- Phase 1 proposals must clearly show how the solution fits the challenge scope and achieves all essential outcomes.
- Applicants must demonstrate a current TRL between 1 and 4 and explain the R&D that established that maturity level.
- The solution must meet one or more SIC innovation definitions and cannot be only incremental development or routine engineering.
- Competitive advancement is scored at 0, 5, 12, or 20 points based on measurable improvements over existing technologies and competitive advantage in existing market niches.
- Phase 1 proposals must achieve a minimum overall passing score of 65 out of 130 points (50%).
How to apply
- Submit the proposal using the electronic application form on the SIC website by selecting the relevant challenge and clicking the proposal submission button.
- Proposals submitted in any other format are not accepted.
- If online submission is not possible, contact the SIC Secretariat at solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca to arrange delivery before the closing date and time.
Processing and Agreement
- Successful submissions receive an automatic email acknowledgement.
- Selected applicants must certify their eligibility again before Phase 1 begins, and recertification may be requested at any stage.
- After successful Phase 1, applicants may be considered for Phase 2, but the decision remains at Canada's discretion.
Contacts
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station Program
What is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
Développement d'une station mobile de liens optiques is a challenge for Canadian for-profit SMEs conducting R&D in Canada. It seeks a transportable optical ground station for Arctic low-Earth-orbit communications, focused on design, development, and demonstration of a modular system.
How much funding can be received?
Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station Funds up to $300,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program?
To be eligible for the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program, you must:
The applicant must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada.
The applicant must be a small or medium-sized business with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and conduct research and development in Canada.
At least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees must be paid to employees and contractors who spend most of their working time in Canada, and at least 50% of full-time equivalent employees and senior executives must meet the Canada-based thresholds.
What expenses are eligible under Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
Design, development, and demonstration of a transportable optical ground station.
Research and development to produce a proof of feasibility in Phase 1.
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca.
Where is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station available?
The Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station program is available across Canada.
Is the Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovative Solutions Canada - Development of a transportable Optical Ground Station is a Grant and Funding