Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program
The Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) was created to provide a wide range of opportunities for Canadian science and technology activities in lunar orbit, on the Moon's surface, and beyond.
It will support the commercialization of innovative ideas from Canadian industry, including small and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them become an integral part of the growing new-space economy.
Offered by Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Amount
Total budget of $159 million over five years, delivered as contributions and grants (including co-investigator grants, research grants and scholarship grants) through specific funding opportunities
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Who can apply
For-profit and not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada, including members of the industry or academia, are eligible. Specific eligibility is indicated in each funding opportunity.
About the funding
With a total budget of $159 million over five years, LEAP is looking to foster innovation in areas of strength for Canada, like artificial intelligence, robotics, science and health. It will support the commercialization of innovative ideas from Canadian industry, including small and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them become an integral part of the growing new-space economy.
LEAP is preparing Canada's space sector for involvement in lunar and deep-space exploration through a portfolio of activities that includes the following:
Portfolio and categories
Industry and academia
Show all funding details
- Program: Contribution to partner agencies' selected missions
- Objectives: Delivery of Canadian science instrument(s) or technology destined for the Moon or beyond selected by a partner space agency.
- Program: Announcement of Opportunity – Capability demonstration
- Objectives: Contributions to develop, adapt, deliver, integrate, and launch a Canadian proto-flight model.
- Program: Planning and preparation for future mission and technologies
- Objectives: Development of mission concepts and technologies to position Canada for future lunar and deep-space exploration missions.
- Program: Lunar science / technology payloads
- Objectives: Development, launch and operation of a Canadian micro-rover technology demonstrator and of one or more Canadian science instruments to be flown on international lunar exploration missions.
Industry
- Program: Announcement of Opportunity – Technology development for the lunar supply chain
- Objectives: Contribution to the development of technologies that have garnered interest in the field of lunar missions and to consequently increase the commercial potential of Canadian space companies for the lunar economy.
Academia
- Program: Lunar science support
- Objectives: Support a variety of science initiatives targeting the Moon or beyond. This includes co-investigator grants, research grants, scholarship grants as well as community engagement initiatives.
Similar programs
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|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | Grant | no fixed amount | Open |
| Accelerate Fellowship | Grant | $10,000 or $15,000 Standard Award (1:1), or $13,333 Cluster Funding (1:1.2), per internship unit | Open |
| AgriScience Program – Projects | Grant, In-Kind Support | Up to $5 million per project and $10 million per applicant over the program's duration (2023 to 2028) | Open |
| Business Strategy Internship | Grant | $10,000 per intern per four- or six-month internship, all going to the intern stipend | Open |
