Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com JUNE/JULY 2021 23 INNOVATION Working on the competitive edges Other funding elements rely on tried and tested methods to separate the elite from the average: competition. Competitive Projects ask participants to compete for research dollars, where the edge is given to promising technologies. Selected proj- ects from the Competitive Projects stream are then further refined using additional funding to advance the best solutions. Sandboxes, a demonstration element, offers DND a glimpse into technologies available on the market. By demonstrating their technologies side-by-side, it makes it easier to compare between competing technologies in a controlled environment. "All of our funding elements have a sin- gle driving feature, which is to distill the best technology out of a variety of solu- tions presented to find the best solutions for the CAF," says Mr. Fournier. "Some- times a little competition helps." Quick Pivots The value of building a defence innova- tion ecosystem was demonstrated recently during COVID-19. With a base of inno- vators at the ready, the IDEaS program pivoted to launch four COVID-19 related challenges as part of the pan-government response. It received over 460 proposals from academia, industry, not-for-profits, and individuals. "This would not have been possible three years ago," says Mr. Fournier. "Without the reach of the program, we would not have received even a fraction of the poten- tial innovators that we did." Forty-eight solutions were selected in the first round of funding. "All of our funding elements have a single driving feature, which is to distill the best technology out of a variety of solutions presented to find the best solutions for the CAF. Sometimes a little competition helps." — Director General, Innovation, Eric Fournier Networks, require participants to identify two or more academic partners in order to qualify for funding from the start. It brings together academic and private sector part- ners. "We are tinkering with the way the ecosystem works, constantly pushing our innovators to get the most out of them and their respective technologies, and this means bringing in unconventional part- ners," says Mr. Fournier. The IDEaS program also collaborates with the Office of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and Innovation, Sci- ence and Economic Development Canada to build a network of internal partners to help innovators continue their journey. Sponsored Content PERSPECTIVE plications. As a result, these trucks are more than mere transporters; they are full "enablers" of deployed forces, specially adapted to play vital roles in achieving successful mission outcomes. Should the LVM contract be awarded to Rheinmetall Canada, the company is committed to maintaining a long-term partnership with the Department of Na- tional Defence and closely collaborating before, during, and after delivery of the solution. Choosing a Canadian offer will help create quality jobs at home while increasing the safety of Canadian troops. After 35 years in business, Rheinmetall Canada has proven its enduring dedica- tion to Canadian values with several suc- cessful vehicle projects. trucks, Rheinmetall Canada, together with RMMV, offers the strongest solution for Canada's Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. The HX trucks are designed for high pay- loads and challenging terrain. Dependable in all climates and scenarios, they thrive as cargo/troop transporters, mission payload carriers, and heavy equipment tractors. The HX family's rugged, tactical design offers robust passenger protection at all times. The HX family of vehicles, of which the third generation has recently been intro- duced to the market, is purpose-built for military use and is perfectly suited for the LVM project. RMMV has developed its product portfolio to meet armed forces' specific requirements and demanding ap- Rheinmetall Canada R heinmetall Canada's sister company, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), is recognized as a world lead- er in land mobility solutions. RMMV develops, manufactures, and de- livers vehicles to a well-established group of user nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Swe- den. With the HX series of highly mobile BY STÉPHANE OEHRLI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, RHEINMETALL CANADA R EA DY FO R CA N A DA'S LO G I ST I C S V E H I C L E P RO G RA M S

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