Program: Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISH)
Funding: Up to $50 Million in Non-Repayable Contributions
Lead: Department of National Defence (DND) & Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
Focus Areas: Quantum Technologies & Uncrewed Systems

Canada is accelerating defence-focused innovation through the launch of the Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISH) Call for Proposals. This initiative supports the secure enablement of existing facilities as collaborative innovation hubs designed to transition advanced technologies into defence and national security applications.

With $50 million available in non-repayable funding, DISH represents a major opportunity for organizations operating at the intersection of deep technology, research commercialization, and defence capability development.

Program Objective: From Innovation to Operational Capability

The DISH program is structured to move high-potential technologies beyond laboratory demonstrations and early-stage prototypes into secure, defence-ready environments.

Rather than funding standalone R&D projects, this initiative supports the creation and operation of secure, multi-partner innovation hubs that:

• Advance critical technologies
• Strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities
• Foster collaboration between industry and academia
• Enable secure testing, validation, and integration pathways

Focus Domains

1. Quantum Technologies

DISH will support innovation hubs advancing quantum technologies across:

• Quantum sensing
• Secure quantum communications
• Quantum computing
• Cryptography

The objective is to accelerate the transition of quantum research into deployable defence and security solutions, ensuring Canada remains competitive in this strategically critical domain.

2. Uncrewed Systems

The program also prioritizes innovation in uncrewed systems and enabling technologies, including:

• Aerial, ground, and marine platforms
• Advanced sensor systems
• Secure communications networks
• Autonomy and AI-enabled software
• Electronic warfare resilience
• Interoperability across defence systems
• Regulatory compliance frameworks

Proposals should demonstrate how technologies will mature from early development stages into defence-relevant operational contexts.

Funding Structure

• Total Program Envelope: $50 Million
• Contribution Type: Non-repayable
• Year 1 Funding Range: $5M – $10M
• Year 2 Funding Range: $10M – $15M

Funding amounts will vary based on the scope, complexity, and strategic value of the proposed DISH.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications must be submitted by a consortium of at least two separate eligible organizations, which may include:

• Canadian incorporated for-profit organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Post-secondary institutions

This collaborative requirement reflects the program’s objective to build integrated innovation ecosystems rather than isolated projects.

Eligible Costs

Funding may support expenses directly tied to DISH activities, including:

• Technical and professional services
• Materials and supplies
• Contracts supporting hub operations
• Data acquisition and analysis
• Research software and tools

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how costs contribute to the secure enablement and operation of the proposed innovation hub.

What Will Make Proposals Competitive?

Given the scale of funding, competition is expected to be significant. Strong proposals will demonstrate:

• Clearly defined governance and partner alignment
• Secure facility readiness and compliance capabilities
• A defined pathway from innovation to defence application
• Technical depth and domain expertise
• Clear impact on Canada’s defence and security objectives

This is a strategic funding initiative aimed at strengthening Canada’s defence innovation infrastructure, not simply supporting incremental research.

Positioning Your Consortium for Success

Organizations considering participation should begin early discussions with potential partners, including:

• Industry collaborators
• Academic research groups
• Applied research centres
• Technology integrators

Successful proposals will require alignment across technical scope, budget structuring, intellectual property considerations, and long-term operational sustainability.

Partner with GrantMatch

GrantMatch supports organizations in navigating complex federal defence funding programs. Our team provides:

• Eligibility assessment
• Consortium structuring support
• Technical narrative development
• Budget modeling and compliance guidance
• Full proposal management

With $50 million available and high strategic interest expected, early preparation will be critical.

Connect with GrantMatch today to evaluate your readiness and position your organization for success under the DISH Call for Proposals.

 View the Official DISH Call for Proposals Here