Connect with us

Canada News

DND launches a call to innovative thinkers for solutions to COVID-19 challenges

Published

on

These challenges were determined by multi-departmental panels led by the National Research Council of Canada as part of the COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program. (Pexels photo)

May 26, 2020 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to refocus existing innovation programs to support the fight against the spread of COVID-19, the Department of National Defence (DND) announced today the first of a series of calls for innovations aimed at addressing some of the key challenges Canada is facing.

With an initial commitment of $15M, the first three challenges focus on:

  • Viable and effective processes and methods for safely and rapidly decontaminating enclosed work environments (e.g., buildings and modes of transportation) containing sensitive equipment;
  • Innovative material and designs to aid in decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), operational clothing and equipment for personnel responding to events involving biological hazards; and
  • Data gathering solutions to support the early detection and community-based monitoring of outbreaks of contagious diseases.

These challenges were determined by multi-departmental panels led by the National Research Council of Canada as part of the COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program.

In addition to the call for innovation, these panels are engaging Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises to refine their near-to-market products to meet a COVID-19 related need.

Promising solutions in the areas of PPE, sanitization, diagnostics and testing, therapeutics, and disease-tracking technology may receive funding to further their solutions of interest. This effort is a collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Health Canada and sees an additional investment of up to $10M.

Innovators are encouraged to consult the IDEaS program website for more information on the challenges and how to apply to the program.

Quotes

“These are unprecedented times. We need to leverage all great minds and innovators in our efforts to combat COVID-19. We will invest in Canadians as we look for innovative solutions to keep not only the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces, but all Canadians safe.”

Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan

Quick facts

  • Call for innovation – Challenges to Canadian innovators

  • COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program

    • DND has provided subject matter experts in the areas of public safety and security, medical response, and biology/chemistry for these panels.
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maria in Vancouver

Headline3 days ago

The Sobering Reality of Growing Old

Growing old brings a sobering reality: time is finite.  You watch your body slow down, see your parents age, and...

Lifestyle3 weeks ago

Dr. David Suzuki’s Legacy: A Celebration at 90

Celebrating Dr. David Suzuki’s 90th birthday on Friday, May 22  was a true privilege and a great pleasure! My husband,...

Lifestyle4 weeks ago

What I Know Now About Motherhood

Did you know that a mother’s cells can live in her child’s body for their entire lives? This fascinating phenomenon...

Headline2 months ago

Age with Audacity

At 25, I imagined life at 50 would mean I’d be past my prime and grumpy.  Little did I know,...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Spring Clean Your Body, Mind and Home

Spring has sprung! This season is perfect for spring cleaning, but why stop at our homes?  We can also rejuvenate...

Lifestyle3 months ago

Hear Us Roar

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a woman who wants her happily ever after. I certainly did. After 21 years...

Lifestyle3 months ago

The Real Rich

Margaret Atwood aptly captured this dynamic with the phrase, “Old money whispers, new money shouts.”  Let me elaborate on this...

Headline4 months ago

Love in the Afternoon of Life

Love in later life—the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond—is a thriving, fulfilling reality. It offers companionship, improved well-being, and joy,...

Headline4 months ago

Your Most Important Relationship is With Yourself

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be celebrated only for one day. Love should be celebrated everyday. Valentine’s Day, when expanded beyond romance,...

Headline5 months ago

The 2016 Trend Made Me Reflect On My Past & Present

Like many others, I couldn’t resist joining the 2016 throwback trend.  It was all over social media, with everyone sharing...