MINERVA Initiative: Cargo/Munition Drop UAS ($500K)

Resupply under fire is one of the hardest problems in modern operations. Through the MINERVA Initiative, DND and the Canadian Army offered up to $500,000 per contract (intake closed October 5, 2026) for a made-in-Canada uncrewed aircraft system that can deliver cargo and munitions without relying on ballistic trajectories.

It is a Phase-2 challenge (near-market prototype), with an estimated five contracts. If you build heavy-lift or logistics drones, here is what DND is asking for.

What DND is looking for

A domestically produced UAS for cargo and munitions delivery that is simple to operate, durable, and survivable on the future battlefield — capable of precise delivery without depending on ballistic trajectories. Domestic production is a core requirement, reflecting supply-chain resilience priorities.

Funding and timeline

Who can apply

A for-profit business incorporated in Canada with 499 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, R&D in Canada, and at least 50% of wages and full-time employees Canadian-based, with a solution at TRL 5–9.

How to apply — and how we help

Submit through the Innovative Solutions Canada portal against the published criteria. As with every defence challenge, the winning proposals evidence domestic production and map cleanly to the essential outcomes. We help Canadian companies frame the proposal, evidence the TRL, and stack it with SR&ED and NRC IRAP DI Assist.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the MINERVA Cargo/Munition Drop challenge worth?

Up to $500,000 CAD per contract, with an estimated five contracts, over up to 15 months. It is a Phase-2 Innovative Solutions Canada challenge.

When does it close?

It closed October 5, 2026 at 14:00 Eastern time. Watch Innovative Solutions Canada for the next MINERVA round.

Does the drone have to be made in Canada?

Yes — domestic production of the uncrewed aircraft system is a core requirement of this challenge.

Who can apply?

A for-profit Canadian-incorporated business with 499 or fewer full-time employees, R&D in Canada, at least 50% Canadian wages and employees, and a solution at TRL 5–9.