Industrial Technologies Office | Office des technologies industrielles
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Innovation is vital to improve productivity in today's knowledge-based economy. Vigorous competition, rapidly evolving technology, and the ease with which investment and knowledge move around the world make it essential for Canadian companies to be innovative.

Are you looking for a snapshot of the SADI application process? Then consult the SADI application process flow chart – a one page diagram that details all of the steps involved in applying for SADI contributions. The flow chart is interactive – just click on any box to learn more about the specific step involved.

Program Overview

The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) has three main objectives:

  1. to encourage strategic research and development (R&D) that will result in innovation and excellence in new products and services;
  2. to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian A&D companies;
  3. to foster collaboration between research institutes, universities, colleges and the private sector.

Strategic R&D projects under SADI will use technologies that either:

  • support the development of next-generation A&D-related products and/or services;
  • build on existing Canadian strengths in A&D technology development;
  • enable Canadian companies to participate in major platforms and supply chains; or
  • assist the A&D industries in achieving Canada's international obligations (e.g. development programs supported by Canada).

Types and Amounts of Contributions

SADI provides Canadian aerospace and defence (A&D) industries with repayable contributions for strategic R&D projects.

ITO calculates the contribution amount for each project on the basis of it being the minimum amount of assistance required to ensure that the project proceeds successfully and generates benefits for Canadians.

Contributions to SADI projects will equal approximately 30 percent of a project's total eligible costs. ITO is not required to distribute specific amounts of funding or percentage funding levels by region.