DND invests in Canadian solutions to COVID-19 challenges

From: National Defence

News release

March 4, 2021 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The safety and well-being of Canadians are a top priority for the Government of Canada as the fight against COVID-19 continues. By demonstrating organizational agility and responsiveness, the Department of National Defence (DND) continues to work collaboratively with our colleagues across government to contribute positively to these efforts.

Leveraging the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, DND announced today 48 new contribution agreements, valued at approximately $8.64 million, to support research and development efforts in the realm of COVID-19. The contribution agreements address four specific challenge areas, which were developed in consultation with Government of Canada partners: sanitization of workspaces; pandemic decision-making; re-using protective equipment; and moral trauma on the frontline. 

These contribution agreements not only capitalize on the novel ideas of Canadian innovators, but also support efforts to stimulate the economy with a direct investment back into the communities.

Innovators are encouraged to consult the IDEaS program website for information about future challenges and how to apply to the program.

Quotes

“Canadian innovators are among the most creative and innovative people in the world. We are all on the same mission to conquer COVID-19 and to keep the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and all Canadians, safe. I look forward to the outcomes of our investment announced today - they will remain important even after this pandemic ends.”

Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan

Quick facts

  • The 48 contribution agreements are the result of two IDEaS call for proposals issued in the Spring/Summer 2020.

  • Contribution agreements are a non-repayable funding mechanism that enable innovators to generate solutions to defence and security challenges without acquisition by the Government of Canada of any goods, services or assets. This is different than previous calls for proposals under Competitive Projects, where the Department had used a procurement contract.

  • The IDEaS program collaborated with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Research Council of Canada, to identify key challenges and fund several innovative solutions from Canadian innovators.

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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