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Photo Credit: Stefania Galluccio @mystoo
1065 - 4/8/2021 7:06:06 AM  

Department of National Defence invests in Canadian solutions to COVID-19 challenges

“We are committed to doing what it takes to face down the challenge of COVID-19. These investments will support important work right here in Guelph that brings us closer to that goal.” Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph

National Défense  Defence nationale  
News Release April 7, 2020

Today, on behalf of Minister of Defence Harjit S. Sajjan, Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament  for Guelph, highlighted investments by the Government of Canada in support of research and  development efforts related to COVID-19. Two contribution agreements, totaling $369,050,  have been awarded to Guelph-based innovators under the Department of National Defence’s  Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.  

“These contribution agreements demonstrate investments in Canadian innovators that will help  combat challenges brought on by COVID-19. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these  investments and how they will benefit not only the Canadian Armed Forces, but all Canadians  into the future.” The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence 

The contribution agreements, which address two recent IDEaS challenge areas were awarded  to: 

University of Guelph to address challenge area Re-using protective equipment in the  amount of $169,050 (to develop a low-cost, easy-to-use device for sterilizing PPE within  minutes) 

“These innovations are fantastic examples of how University of Guelph continues to find ways to  harness our research expertise to lessen the global impact of COVID-19.”   Malcolm Campbell – Vice-President Research at the University of Guelph. 

EnvisionSQ Inc. to address challenge area Sanitization of workspaces in the amount of  $200,000. (The self-disinfecting coating, called GermStopSQ, kills viruses and bacteria  on hard surfaces for 24 hours.) 

This follows an announcement by Minister of Defence Harjit S. Sajjan on March 4, 2021, of 48 contribution agreements awarded under this call for proposals, with a total value of $8.64  million. 

The IDEaS program fosters open innovation to provide creative thinkers with the structure and  support to encourage solutions which will assist in solving some of Canada’s toughest defense  and security challenges. 

Four specific challenge areas were developed in consultation with Government of  Canada partners to address sanitization of workspaces; pandemic decision making; re using protective equipment; and moral trauma on the frontline. 

Contribution agreements are a non-repayable funding mechanism that enable innovators  to generate solutions to defence and security challenges without acquisition by the  Government of Canada of any goods, services or assets. This is different than previous  calls under Competitive Projects, where the Department had used a procurement  contract. 

These contribution agreements are for Phase one research into the viability of the  proposals submitted. 

Innovators are encouraged to consult the IDEaS website for more information on this and  subsequent calls for proposals and opportunities.  

“The DND funding significantly advanced the development of GermStopSQ, which will benefit all  Canadians, including the Canadian Armed Forces. We expect GermStopSQ to be the first  Health Canada approved residual disinfectant that will continue to kill bacteria and viruses for 24  hours. GermStopSQ is highly desirable because it reduces cleaning and disinfection, reducing  cost and re-contamination on high touch surfaces.” 
Scott Shayko, CEO of EnvisionSQ 



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