Regional Defence Investment Initiative

PacifiCan · The Regional Defence Investment Initiative is a federal program delivering $67.5 million in British Columbia over three years to support commercial projects th…

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Overview

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative is a federal program delivering $67.5 million in British Columbia over three years to support commercial projects that strengthen Canada's defence and security capabilities while boosting regional economic development. Eligible businesses must demonstrate ambition to contribute to the Canadian Armed Forces and allies, grow defence and dual-use industry capacity, integrate into supply chains, and drive innovation in defence-relevant technology sectors.

Eligibility

Commercial projects seeking to contribute to Canadian Armed Forces and allied capabilitiesSmall and medium-sized enterprises interested in defence and dual-use sectorsBusinesses developing innovation in defence-relevant technology areas including AI, quantum, and cyber securityProjects demonstrating integration into domestic and international defence supply chainsApplicants able to set measurable targets and report on job creation, revenue growth, and technology commercialization

Eligible projects

Production and innovation capacity in defence and dual-use industriesIntegration of SMEs into domestic and international defence supply chainsInnovation and commercialization in AI, quantum technology, and cyber security with defence applicationsDevelopment and commercialization of defence or dual-use technologies, products, or servicesProjects prioritizing Canadian material and content under the Buy Canadian Policy

Financing terms

Non-repayable grant funding for eligible projectsFunding distributed over three years starting 2025-26Priority given to projects demonstrating support from other funding sources

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Program prioritizes projects in Canadian defence priority areas and those advancing Indigenous and regional participationApplicants must demonstrate strong economic benefits and measurable outcomes including HQP jobs, export growth, and revenue increasesTotal RDII program across all provinces is $379.2 million; BC allocation is $67.5 million

At a glanceMaximum$67.5MProviderPacifiCanDeadlineMar 31, 2028StatusOpenRegionBritish ColumbiaOfficial sourcecanada.ca ↗

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