Naval Technology
Innovation Challenges

Ready to submit your application? Submit it here

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

The selection panel includes representatives from COVE, Thales, the National Research Council, ACOA, and an industry partner. Once the application period closes, panel members will independently assess submissions using a standardized evaluation package.

COVE will announce the winners on August 28, 2026. Before making any public announcements, COVE will coordinate with the winning applicant to manage communications.

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

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).

All incorporated SMEs and Indigenous organizations in Atlantic Canada may apply. Post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit organizations may apply but must be partnered with an Atlantic SME.

A business with up to 500 employees and less than $50 million in revenue.

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

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

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

Financial statements are required to be submitted by the winner of the challenge. If it is preferable, ACOA can accept them on behalf of the challenge providers for review.

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.

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.

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

The application deadline is July 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ADT.

Yes. If you provide an email address, your application will be saved with a unique link that will be emailed to you. You can use the link to complete your application at a different time.