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Naval Technology
Innovation Challenges

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COVE’s Naval Technology Innovation Challenges advance Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) strategic priorities while strengthening Canada’s partnership with industry – a key commitment outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Through this program, COVE – with funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Thales Canada – presents real operational challenges to industry. Companies develop innovative technology solutions, processes, and frameworks that address critical naval needs.

Successful participants receive funding to build validated, operationally relevant solutions with direct input from end users. These solutions may have a direct procurement pathway through the Atlantic Joint Innovation and Support Ship (AJISS) program.

Previous challenge topics include:

COVE launches these challenges annually. Stay tuned for future announcements.

2025 Naval Technology Innovation Challenges – Results

Three challenge statements were presented in 2025. Two challenges proceeded to the implementation phase, with winners receiving up to $187,500 in funding and the opportunity to collaborate with defence stakeholders and industry leaders.

Challenge 1: Innovating Autonomy for Lean Crewing
Status: Did not proceed

Challenge 2: Automating Underwater Inspection
Winner: MarineNav (PEI) in partnership with Voyis (ON)

Challenge 3: Additive Manufacturing for Ships
Winner: Precise Design (NS) in partnership with Tronos Aviation (PEI)

Resources

2026 Challenges – Coming Soon

The next Naval Technology Innovation Challenges will be announced soon. Check back for updates on application timelines, challenge statements, and information sessions.

Naval Technology Innovation Challenges Webinar (Coming Soon)

Learn about the challenges, get tips for a strong application, explore available resources, and join a live question-and-answer session with COVE and Thales Canada.

Note: Webinar information for 2026 challenges will be available soon.

Timeline

Application Submission Period Information coming soon

More information coming soon.

Information Session Information coming soon

The webinar provides additional details about the challenges, offers best practices for completing your applications, and highlights resources to assist with your submission. More information coming soon.

Evaluation of Submissions Information coming soon

Two of the three proposed challenges will move forward, as determined by a panel of judges appointed by COVE and Thales Canada.

Winners Informed Information coming soon

Before making any public announcements, COVE will coordinate with the winning applicant to manage communications. More information coming soon.

Implementation Information coming soon

COVE will collaborate with the winning applicant to monitor implementation over six months following the announcement. More information coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Naval Technology Innovation Challenge?

The Naval Technology Innovation Challenge is a funding and support program for SMEs and start-ups to develop innovative solutions for the Royal Canadian Navy, supported by COVE, Thales Canada, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Who can participate?

Incorporated SMEs and Indigenous organizations in Atlantic Canada are eligible. Post-secondary institutions and non-profits must partner with an Atlantic SME.

What qualifies as an SME?

A business with up to 250 employees.

What qualifies as an Atlantic company?

Any company incorporated in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.

Where must the work take place?

All research, development, and project work must take place in Atlantic Canada.

What if a company has locations or activities outside of the Atlantic region?

Federally incorporated companies can participate in the challenge if registered to do business in the Atlantic region. The company must have significant operations, including facilities and/or offices, in the Atlantic region.

Who owns the intellectual property (IP)?

The company retains ownership of the intellectual property. Thales Canada is granted a license to use it, where applicable, for the duration of the trial.

What are the project milestones?

Following award selection, projects will progress through the following phases:

  • Milestone 1 – Project Kickoff
    Initial research and analysis of the proposed concept

  • Milestone 2 – Preliminary Design Review
    Development and assessment of the initial design

  • Milestone 3 – Detailed Design & Prototyping
    Construction and testing of a working prototype. May require a demonstration.

  • Milestone 4 – Project Close-Out
    Final reporting and stakeholder presentation, including a business case for continued development or commercialization

The project team will issue a detailed project schedule upon receipt of the award notification.

How do I apply?

All submissions must be entered through the ‘Submit Application’ form.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline will be announced soon.

Can I save my application and pick up where I left off?

Yes. If you provide an email address, the system will save your application and email you a unique link to complete it later.

For any further questions please contact us at [email protected]

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