# Canadian Army Launches MINERVA Challenges

The Canadian Army, under the Department of National Defence (DND), has launched six MINERVA challenges as part of the Innovative Solutions Canada program to develop autonomous systems for Arctic surveillance, battlefield resupply, and reconnaissance. Each challenge offers funding up to **$2.5 million** for prototype development. Concurrently, DND is soliciting proposals for an autonomous mine-countermeasures uncrewed surface vessel emphasizing Canadian-designed and produced technologies to enhance domestic defense supply chains and sovereignty. Key deadlines include proposal submissions by **September 24, 2026** for the Arctic Uncrewed Air System challenge and offers due by **October 1, 2026** for the mine-countermeasures vessel solicitation.

- These initiatives highlight a strategic focus on autonomous defense technologies tailored for Arctic and battlefield environments, signaling increased investment in innovation and domestic industrial capabilities.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on Canadian-origin technologies, which may affect eligibility and partnership strategies.
- Contractors specializing in autonomous systems, unmanned vehicles, and maritime defense technologies have immediate opportunities to engage with DND through these challenges and solicitations.
- The geographic focus on locations such as Victoria, British Columbia, and Arctic regions like Inuvik underscores the operational environments driving these procurements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Canadian Army

### Sources
- [Canadian Army Launches Six MINERVA Challenges as DND Seeks Autonomous Mine-Countermeasures Vessel - Canadian Defence Review](https://canadiandefencereview.com/canadian-army-launches-six-minerva-challenges-as-dnd-seeks-autonomous-mine-countermeasures-vessel) - Canadian Defence Review