CFAs: Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (Canada)

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched a Call for Proposals to establish Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISHs) focused on quantum technologies and uncrewed systems (UxS). Delivered through the Innovation in Defence Excellence and Security program (IDEaS) and led by BOREALIS, the initiative will provide approximately $50 million in non-repayable contributions to create secure, mission-oriented collaboration environments. Proposals must be submitted by consortia of at least two eligible Canadian organizations.

Program Overview

The DISH initiative is designed to create secure, classified-capable environments that enable sustained collaboration among:

• Government
• Industry
• Academia
• Not-for-profit organizations

The goal is to accelerate research, development, experimentation, integration, and demonstration of advanced defence technologies in two frontier domains:

• Quantum technologies
• Uncrewed Systems (UxS)

These hubs will provide secure infrastructure capable of supporting sensitive defence-related work.

Why This Initiative Matters

Canada’s defence and security environment is evolving rapidly due to:

• Accelerated technological advancements
• Increased system integration complexity
• Growing cybersecurity and national security risks
• Heightened classification and operational requirements

While Canada has a strong research and innovation ecosystem, many facilities lack:

• Appropriate security clearances
• Controlled experimentation environments
• Secure collaboration mechanisms
• Classified demonstration capabilities

Without secure innovation infrastructure, promising technologies may fail to transition from research to operational defence capability.

The DISH initiative addresses this gap.

What Are Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISHs)?

DISHs are secure, mission-oriented innovation hubs designed to:

1. Enable classified research and development

2. Support technology integration and system-level experimentation

3. Facilitate long-term collaboration across sectors

4. Accelerate operational deployment of emerging defence technologies

These hubs will operate within facilities that meet necessary security standards for defence work.

Focus Areas of the Call

1. Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies in defence may include:

• Quantum sensing
• Quantum communications
• Quantum encryption
• Quantum computing applications
• Advanced signal detection and navigation

Quantum capabilities can enhance secure communications, detection accuracy, and strategic defence operations.

2. Uncrewed Systems (UxS)

UxS refers to:

• Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)
• Uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV)
• Uncrewed maritime systems (surface and underwater)
• Autonomous and remotely operated platforms

These systems support surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and defence missions in contested or high-risk environments.

Funding Structure

Total Funding Available: Approximately $50 million

Funding Type: Non-repayable contributions

Funding Streams:

• Stream 1: Uncrewed Systems (UxS)
• Stream 2: Quantum Technologies

Funding supports:

• Secure enablement of existing facilities
• Infrastructure upgrades for classified operations
• Secure technology development environments
• Collaborative innovation ecosystem strengthening

Who Is Eligible?

Lead Applicant Requirements

The proposal must be submitted by a consortium of at least two eligible Canadian organizations.

Eligible Lead Applicants:

• Canadian incorporated for-profit organizations
• Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organizations
• Canadian universities
• Canadian post-secondary institutions

The Lead Applicant:

• Becomes the Recipient under the contribution agreement
• Assumes responsibility for establishing and operating the DISH

Eligible Consortium Partners

• Canadian universities
• Incorporated for-profit organizations
• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
• Provincial government organizations
• Territorial government organizations
• Municipal government organizations

All participants must have legal capacity to enter into a contribution agreement.

Not Eligible

• Federal departments
• Federal agencies
• Crown corporations
• Projects relying on federally owned infrastructure
• Facilities owned or operated by DND or CAF

How the DISH Model Works

Step 1: Consortium Formation
At least two eligible Canadian organizations form a partnership.

Step 2: Facility Identification
The consortium identifies an existing facility capable of secure enablement.

Step 3: Secure Infrastructure Enhancement
Funding is used to upgrade facilities to meet defence security standards.

Step 4: Technology Development & Experimentation
Secure R&D, testing, integration, and demonstrations occur within the hub.

Step 5: Long-Term Collaboration
Sustained cross-sector collaboration accelerates technology transition to operational use.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative aims to:

• Accelerate innovation in quantum and UxS technologies
• Improve secure technology demonstration capacity
• Reduce barriers to classified experimentation
• Strengthen Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem
• Enhance operational readiness and national security

By bridging research and operational capability, DISHs will help Canada maintain technological advantage.

Common Proposal Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Submitting a proposal without a consortium partner

2. Relying on federally owned infrastructure

3. Failing to demonstrate security compliance readiness

4. Weak alignment with defence mission requirements

5. Insufficient long-term sustainability planning

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate secure infrastructure capability, mission alignment, and collaborative governance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the DISH initiative?

To create secure collaborative hubs that accelerate development and demonstration of quantum and uncrewed systems technologies for defence and national security.

2. How much funding is available?

Approximately $50 million in non-repayable contributions across two streams.

3. Can a single organization apply?

No. Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least two eligible Canadian organizations.

4. Are federal departments eligible for funding?

No. Federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations are not eligible.

5. Can existing facilities be used?

Yes, but they must not be federally owned and must be upgraded to meet security requirements.

6. What types of technologies are prioritized?

Quantum technologies and uncrewed systems (UxS).

7. What is the role of the Lead Applicant?

The Lead Applicant becomes the contribution agreement recipient and is responsible for establishing and operating the DISH.

Conclusion

The DISH Call for Proposals by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces represents a strategic investment in secure defence innovation infrastructure.

By establishing classified-capable hubs focused on quantum and uncrewed systems technologies, Canada aims to strengthen collaboration, accelerate technology deployment, and ensure that advanced research translates into operational defence and national security capabilities.