Photon-IV Wins Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Award

Waterloo, ON – January 2026 – Photon-IV Inc. (“Photon-IV”), a Canadian deep‑tech startup building intelligent defence network systems, has been awarded R&D funding through a $250,000 contract under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program of the Department of National Defence.

Photon‑IV’s breakthrough project will develop an AI and machine-learning network technology that seamlessly links satellites and ground systems, setting the stage for the next generation of resilient, real‑time connectivity for Canada’s defence and security

By predicting and managing communication handovers between non‑terrestrial networks (NTN) and terrestrial networks (TN), Photon‑IV’s solution will deliver mission‑critical advantages in bandwidth, reliability, and low‑latency performance  especially in remote and Arctic regions where dependable communication can make all the difference.

“With IDEaS support, we’re moving our intelligent handover platform from concept to field‑ready reality,” said Sanal Kamal, Founder and CEO of Photon‑IV. “This technology will empower Canada’s defence network infrastructure with faster, smarter, and more resilient communication  from orbit to the edge.”

The IDEaS program accelerates the adoption of cutting‑edge Canadian technologies that strengthen national security and operational readiness. Photon‑IV’s selection underscores Canada’s leadership in AI‑driven defence innovation and next‑generation communication systems.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.

About Photon-IV

Photon‑IV is a Canadian deep‑tech company building intelligent network architectures for defence and security. Combining expertise in space systems, wireless engineering, and adaptive network design, Photon‑IV collaborates with leading universities and industry partners to create technologies that power resilient, autonomous connectivity for the most demanding missions.

More information about the award can be found here.

Disclaimer:Any views, findings, or conclusions expressed by Photon‑IV are those of the company and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Government of Canada.