TDP versus SADI

PDF version

TDP vs SADI

15 KB, 1 page


This table compares the TDP with the SADI program in terms of the eligible recipients, eligible projects, size of projects, type of assistance, level of collaboration, application and approval process, and reporting requirements.


Program Comparison
Technology Demonstration Program Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative
Note: Refer to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) Program Guide for information on projects related to the Joint Strike Fighter or Canada-US Defence Development Sharing Agreement.
Eligible Recipient: Original Equipment Manufacturer or Tier 1 corporation, incorporated pursuant to the laws of Canada and carrying on business in Canada. Small, medium or large corporation, incorporated pursuant to the laws of Canada and carrying on business in Canada.
Eligible Project: Large scale research and development (R&D) projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security sectors with activities up to the completion of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. Projects require further investment before they can result in new/improved products, processes or services. R&D projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security sectors with activities up to the completion of TRL 9. Projects result in new/improved products, processes or services.
Size of Projects: 1 new project is expected to be approved per year, of $108 million or larger in size, to be conducted over a typical five year period. To date, project sizes range from $276,000 to $300 million.
Type of Assistance: Non-repayable contributions supporting 50% of total eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $54 million per project. Repayable contributions will equal approximately 40 percent of total eligible project costs. Repayments are either conditional based on the recipient's gross business revenue or unconditional fixed repayments. Repayments begin two years after the end of the fiscal year during which the R&D is completed and span a 15 year period.
Collaboration: Recipients must bring together at least one small or medium sized Canadian-based corporation (with fewer than 500 employees) and at least one accredited Canadian university, college or affiliated research institute. The recipient must distribute a significant portion of the government contribution to project members (target is 50%). Recipients must dedicate at least 1% of the total eligible cost of their project to collaboration activities with colleges, universities, or affiliated research institutes.
Application Process: A two phase application process starts with an annual call for statements of interest. This is followed by an invitation to a select number of applicants to submit full project proposals. It may take up to 12 months from application to project approval for projects seeking more than $10 million. Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year. Upon receipt of a complete application, the project approval service standard is 6 months for contributions under $10 million; and 4 months for contributions under $2 million by small firms with under 100 employees.
Approval Process: Evaluation criteria focus on economic long-term benefits to Canada. The Minister will seek Treasury Board and Cabinet approval prior to authorizing contributions in excess of $50 million. Evaluation criteria focus on technical, market and financial considerations of the applicant. The Minister will seek Treasury Board and Cabinet approval prior to authorizing contributions in excess of $50 million.
Reporting Requirements: Recipients must submit claims and report on progress during the R&D phase (generally 5 years) and report on benefits achieved over the next 5 years. Recipients must submit claims and report on progress during the R&D phase (generally 5 years) and report on benefits achieved over the next 15 years.