SATP/RPAS 

CRIAQ is organizing a fourth call for project ideas for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) technologies, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Transport Canada (TC). This program aims to identify innovative technological ideas and gather scientific data that will support the development of regulations, test methods and compliance certification methods that will enable the safe operation of RPASs’ (also known as UAVs or drones) in Canada.   CRIAQ will support Transport Canada and NRC in the deployment of a RPAS research and development program, using their networks with the objective of: Promote collaborative research activities to support the development of the Canadian regulatory framework.   Support other key initiatives as needed. This year’s theme brings together all the technological developments and/or demonstrations that will facilitate RPASs’ visual Out-of-Range Operations. Interested industrial partners are invited to submit an idea for a collaborative project.  

Project funding details

This program does not guarantee access to funding for your project. Financing will have to be provided by a specific funding program. Candidates who receive a positive evaluation of their project idea will receive contact information of local funding agencies from CRIAQ.   

Eligibility  

• Projects must address the theme of the call: Enabling technologies for BVLOS operations.  
• Project ideas must be submitted by an industrial partner.  
• Industrial partners must have an R&D presence and/or manufacturing plant in Canada, and Canadian operations must be able to commercialize the project’s R&D results.  
• The industrial partner(s) must have annual sales and/or investments of $500,000.  
• Intellectual property arising from the project will be managed by the project participants, with NRC, TC, and CRIAQ neither claiming nor managing intellectual property rights.  

Submission and approval process.    

All project ideas will be evaluated by a joint committee made up of CRIAQ, NRC and TC representatives. CRIAQ will act as the point of contact for receiving project ideas and coordinate the initiative. All Quebec-based projects in Technology Maturity Levels (TML) 2 to 6 that meet CRIAQ criteria will also be invited to follow the CRIAQ process. Project teams may also contact other Canadian funding agencies directly if they meet their eligibility criteria. Depending on the content of the final project plan, Transport Canada may act as project advisor or observer.

Partners