The Canadian Army needs to fly many drones at once — safely. Through the MINERVA Initiative (an Innovative Solutions Canada challenge), DND is funding up to $500,000 per contract for a software solution that can plan, deconflict, and control uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) traffic while managing radio-frequency spectrum use.
This is a Phase-2 (prototype) challenge for near-market technology, with an estimated five contracts. If you build airspace-management, drone-traffic, or spectrum-deconfliction software, here is exactly what DND is asking for.
What DND is looking for
The solution must be Windows-based and able to: manage flight plans with radio-frequency requirements, maintain a 4D trajectory database, integrate external data services, generate optimal flight paths, detect and resolve airspace and spectrum conflicts, and produce deconflicted 4D airspace “tunnels” or “boxes” for UAS operations.
In plain terms: DND wants software that lets an operator run multiple drones concurrently without them colliding — in physical airspace or on the RF spectrum — and that outputs safe, deconflicted flight corridors in four dimensions (space + time).
Funding and timeline
Who can apply
You must be a for-profit business incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially), with:
- 499 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees
- R&D activities performed in Canada
- At least 50% of annual wages paid to Canadian-based employees or contractors
- At least 50% of full-time employees based in Canada
- At least 50% of senior executives (VP and above) resident in Canada
How to apply — and how we help
Proposals go through the Innovative Solutions Canada portal against the published challenge criteria. Defence proposals live or die on how precisely you map your solution to the essential outcomes — reviewers score against a specific list, not a general pitch. We help Canadian defence and dual-use companies frame the proposal to the criteria, evidence the TRL, and stack the work with NRC IRAP DI Assist and SR&ED.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the MINERVA UAS Deconfliction challenge worth?
Up to $500,000 CAD per contract, with an estimated five contracts awarded. It is a Phase-2 (prototype) Innovative Solutions Canada challenge, up to 15 months in duration.
When does it close?
October 21, 2026 at 14:00 Eastern time. Confirm the deadline on the official Innovative Solutions Canada challenge page before submitting.
Who can apply?
A for-profit Canadian-incorporated business with 499 or fewer full-time employees, R&D in Canada, and at least 50% of wages, employees, and senior executives Canadian-based, with a solution at TRL 5–9.
Do I keep the IP?
Yes — Innovative Solutions Canada lets innovators retain their intellectual property.
Building drone or airspace-management software?
We help Canadian defence and dual-use companies map their solution to the challenge's essential outcomes and submit a competitive Innovative Solutions Canada proposal.
Book a free 30-minute consult →