Regional Defence Investment Initiative for organizations: Who can apply

Intake for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative is currently paused

Visit our funding programs to explore other initiatives in southern Ontario.

1. Who can apply?

RDII funding is designed to work in coordination with other government supports. Applicants are encouraged to seek out and leverage other innovation or sector-specific programs where applicable.

Please note

If you have an active project with FedDev Ontario, an application for RDII must be distinct and separate. Your organization can only submit one application to FedDev Ontario at a time, across open programs. Multiple applications to any programs will not be accepted.

1. Eligible applicants

The RDII is for organizations that support businesses that:

  • Address a market demand or opportunity within defence supply chains, including dual-use applications or pivots to defence markets
  • Operate in or target sectors aligned with Canadian defence priorities, such as:
    • artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or quantum technologies
    • space
    • sensors
    • aerospace or shipbuilding/naval industries
    • land and armoured vehicles
    • uncrewed and autonomous technologies and systems
    • training and simulation
    • munitions and personnel protection
    • critical minerals/metals essential in defence

In addition:

  • Projects that support businesses that are already part of, or seeking to position themselves within, defence supply chains are eligible. Projects must contribute to enhancing Canada’s defence industrial capacity for the future.

To be eligible, your organization must:

Apply by January 21, 2026, if your proposed project and eligible costs start before March 31, 2026. To assist with project prioritization for this fiscal year, please state whether any costs have already been incurred or will be incurred by March 31, 2026.

If your project and proposed activities start on or after April 1, 2026, applications will be accepted until funding is fully committed.

2. Eligible activities

Projects providing services directly to businesses may be supported under this program.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting digitization, automation or technology integration investments that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
  • Supporting market diagnostics, development and expansion, including commercialization strategies (e.g., participation in technology showcases).
  • Preparation and acquisition of certifications required to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains for specialized applications.
  • Supporting the adaptation, adoption, development or improvement of dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications.
  • Business ecosystem support, market development, and guidance services.
  • Research and development with a focus on support for late-stage product development.
  • Establishment of a research centre or centre of expertise.

All supported activities must fall under NATO’s spending target, as projects under the RDII will contribute to Canada’s commitment to invest 2% of GDP on defence.

  • In the case of projects involving dual-use technologies (i.e., both civilian and military applications), the military component must be demonstrated (e.g., technologies, products or services that could ultimately have defence or military applications, for example, quantum technologies, or that meet a clear military need). Activities necessary for realizing the whole dual-use project are eligible.
 Report a problem
Date modified: