RSI receives National Defence funding

RSI is pleased to be the recipient of funding through the DND IDEaS COVID-19 Challenge. Under the supervision of Emma Hartnett, RSI will be developing a risk-based tool to support public health emergency response planning for COVID-19, and other infectious disease and mass casualty emergencies in the future.

The safety and well-being of Canadians are a top priority for the Government of Canada as the fight against COVID-19 continues. By demonstrating organizational agility and responsiveness, the Department of National Defence (DND) continues to work collaboratively with our colleagues across government to contribute positively to these efforts.

According to Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan: “Canadian innovators are among the most creative and innovative people in the world. We are all on the same mission to conquer COVID-19 and to keep the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and all Canadians, safe. I look forward to the outcomes of our investment announced today – they will remain important even after this pandemic ends”

Leveraging the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, DND announced today 48 new contribution agreements, valued at approximately $8.64 million, to support research and development efforts in the realm of COVID-19. The contribution agreements address four specific challenge areas, which were developed in consultation with Government of Canada partners: sanitization of workspaces; pandemic decision-making; re-using protective equipment; and moral trauma on the frontline. 

These contribution agreements not only capitalize on the novel ideas of Canadian innovators, but also support efforts to stimulate the economy with a direct investment back into the communities.

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