Canadian Space Agency

Deep Space Healthcare Challenge

Back to all challenges
challenge banner

Process & Prizes

  • Stage 1 – Challenge Launch and Design Application Intake

    November 30, 2021 – February 1, 2022

    Applicants with a design for a remote healthcare technology concept are invited to apply to the Challenge. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2022 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time. At this stage, applicants are competing for $30,000 in grant funding and the opportunity to become a Semi-Finalist in Stage 2 of the challenge.

  • Stage 2 – Up to 20 Semi-Finalists Will Develop a Proof-of-Concept

    Spring 2022

    Up to 20 of the most promising designs will be selected to participate in Stage 2 of the Challenge. These Semi-Finalists will have 10 months to build a proof-of-concept (minimum of TRL 4 ) and to provide data to the judging panel for evaluation. Semi-Finalists are competing to be among the five Finalists who will receive $350,000 in grant funding and move on to Stage 3 of the Challenge.

    In addition to the monetary awards, Semi-Finalists will be provided with the following supports to ensure that their designs meet the needs of the Challenge:

    Consultation with an ISC Community Advisor to provide first-hand context of the needs and challenges faced by remote community healthcare practitioners.

    Session with a regional health authority to provide insight into the needs and concerns of these groups.

    Access to a virtual workshop that will cover common failure points for healthcare technology development, such as regulatory considerations, intellectual property management, and business strategy development.

  • Stage 3 – Up to 5 Finalists Will Build a Prototype for Demonstration

    Winter 2023

    The five Finalists who moved on from Stage 2 will build a prototype (minimum of TRL 6 ) which will be demonstrated in Fall 2023 at a simulated remote environment setup by the CSA. Teams will also be asked to provide a plan for future development and adoption of the demonstrated technology. Finalists at this stage are competing to become the Grand Prize Winner who will receive $500,000 in grant funding.

    In addition to the monetary awards, Finalists will be provided with the following supports to maximize the impact of their technologies:

    Connection to CAN Health Network’s industry partners, mentors and advisors to discuss the technology’s commercial adoption.

    Direct connection to the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

    Potential for continued input from ISC Community Advisors or focus groups.

  • Canadian Grand Prize Winner Selected

    Winter 2024

    A Canadian Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the Finalists and announced in Winter 2024.

Up to 20 Prizes of $30,000

Open to all eligible innovators submitting a Stage 1 concept application.

Up to 5 Prizes of $350,000

Open to all Semi-Finalists participating in Stage 2.

Grand Prize of $500,000

Open to all Finalists participating in Stage 3.

Note: The number of winners and the prize amounts may vary depending on the number of applications received. For each stage, prize amounts will not be less than the amounts indicated above.

Challenge details

Who can apply?

  • Businesses or other for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada;
  • Not-for-profit organizations registered in Canada;
  • Indigenous organizations and groups located in Canada;
  • Post-secondary/academic institutions located in Canada; and
  • Individuals or groups of individuals located in Canada.

Individuals or groups of individuals are encouraged to submit an application, but will be required to establish a Canadian legal entity in order to be eligible to receive prizes.

Prizes

  • Up to 20 prizes of $30,000 open to all eligible innovators submitting a Stage 1 concept application
  • Up to 5 Prizes of $350,000 open to all Semi-Finalists participating in Stage 2
  • Grand Prize of $500,000 open to all Finalists participating in Stage 3

Note: The number of winners and prize amounts may vary depending on the applications received. For each stage, prize amounts will not be less than the amount per winner indicated above.

Key Dates

  • Stage 1 – Design Report Deadline: February 1, 2022
  • Up to 20 Semi-Finalists Announced: April 2022
  • Stage 2 – Proof-of-concept Deadline: January 2023
  • Up to 5 Finalists Announced: April 2023
  • Stage 3 – Prototype Demonstration Deadline: Fall 2023
  • Grand Prize Winner Announced: Spring 2024