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Naval Technology
Innovation Challenges

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Thales Canada and COVE invite Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to compete in the 2025 Naval Technology Innovation Challenges. This initiative supports the advancement of technologies that address the operational needs of the Royal Canadian Navy. Three challenge statements are available, with two moving forward after evaluation.

Winners will receive $187,500 in funding and the opportunity to collaborate directly with defence stakeholders and industry leaders to further develop, adapt, or integrate their solutions.

Submissions are now closed. Thank you to all the innovators who applied. Evaluation will take place from July 28 to August 5, and winning proponents will be informed of their status shortly afterwards. Results will be unveiled in September. Selected companies will begin the implementation phase on September 1, collaborating with defence partners until March 31, 2026.

For updates on the winning proponents, visit coveocean.com/news and follow COVE’s official social media channels for forthcoming announcements and project milestones.

Resources

Naval Technology Innovation Challenges Webinar

Discover how your business can engage with the Naval Technology Innovation Challenges.

In this recorded webinar, you will gain insights into:

  • The challenge statements and the operational priorities that shaped them
  • Tips for preparing a strong, competitive application
  • Resources and support available to help bring your solution to market
  • Key takeaways from the live question-and-answer session with COVE and Thales Canada

Whether you are a start-up or an established SME, this session delivers valuable information to help position your technology for success in the defence and ocean sectors.

Watch now to learn how to take your innovation further

Timeline

Application Submission Period June 12 – July 25, 2025 | 5:00 pm ADT

Submissions are now closed—thank you to all the innovators who applied.

Information Session June 25, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ADT

This webinar provides additional details about the challenges, offers best practices for completing your applications, and highlights resources to assist with your submission.

Watch the Webinar

Evaluation of Submissions July 28 – August 5, 2025

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

Winners Informed August 11, 2025

COVE will inform the winning proponents on August 11, 2025. Before making any public announcements, COVE will coordinate with the winning applicant to manage communications.

Implementation September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

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

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 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?

You must submit your application by 5:00 pm ADT on July 25, 2025.

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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