Weak magnetic anomaly detection for defence and security

*Please note that the ISC website will be available on October 30, 2026* This Challenge Notice is issued under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program (ISC) Call for Proposals 004 (EN578-24ISC4). For general ISC information, Offerors can visit the ISC website at: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en Please refer to the Solicitation Documents Innovative Solutions Canada Program Call for Proposals – 004 - Tender Notice | CanadaBuys https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-3… which contains the process for submitting a proposal. Steps to apply: Step 1: Read this challenge. Step 2: Read the Call for Proposals : https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-3… Step 3: Propose your solution here : https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/weak-ma… ISED is seeking a novel magnetometer (either quantum or classical or a combination thereof) that provides advantage over existing capabilities either in sensitivity, specificity, or Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C), and multi-domain employability. Challenge sponsor: Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada (ISDE) Funding mechanism: Contract Opening date: October 30, 2026 Closing date: November 20, 2026 14:00 Eastern time Challenge Problem statement Canada has a requirement for magnetic anomaly detection for defence and security. Traditional magnetometers, such as fluxgate sensors, have been used for decades to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields. A fluxgate magnetometer is a relatively simple classical device: it consists of a coil of wire wrapped around a core material and detects changes in magnetic flux passing through the sensor. While reliable, these classical sensors face inherent limitations in size, sensitivity, accuracy, and long term stability. Quantum magnetometers, by contrast, leverage the principles of quantum mechanics and promise the ability to achieve superior performance. They offer enhanced sensitivity, improved accuracy and stability, and in some cases even reduced size and weight compared to their classical counterparts. There is a lack of suitably mature quantum sensors in the commercial space. The government of Canada has identified a need to develop a device or system consisting of hardware and software and a quantum sensor or a mix of classical and quantum sensors capable of sensing nanotesla (nT) or even femtotesla (fT) magnetic signals that can be used for a myriad of commercial, medical, and defence applications. In scanning the research underway, there appears to be interest in various means for the sensing of magnetic fields, including but not limited to Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUID), Superconducting Quantum Interference Filter (SQIF), and (Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) diamond. In addition to this we are led to believe that Rydberg atoms, typically framed for electric field detection can be reconfigured and/or adapted for magnetic field detection as well. We are also aware of another technology termed Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) which is very sensitive, but so sensitive as to be problematic to employ. This investigation seeks to explore nT and even fT sensitivities. Desired outcomes and considerations Essential (mandatory) outcomes The proposed solution must: 1. Essential range and direction finding considerations Demonstrate sensing capabilities of magnetic anomalies in close proximity where distance (d) is greater than or equal to (≥) 2 meters (m) with a relative error less than 10%. The device must provide azimuth to +/- 5 degrees, and an inclination of +/- 5 degrees. 2. Sensitivity Produce a prototype capable of a minimum of 500 picotesla (pT) sensitivity with a target of 10 fT. 3. Specificity The device must be able to separate a target signal from background noise. A sensitive magnetometer will detect a plethora of magnetic fields in a given cluttered environment, but the user will be interested in the absence or presence of a target signal. The device must detect and identify three specific Steel 1018 ferromagnetic targets at a minimum distance of 10 meter through free space. It must achieve a 95% true positive rate (TPR) for both detecting the presence of a target and classifying which specific target is present. 4. Rough characterization Demonstrate ability to characterize the nature of the source in rough order of magnitude – i.e. point source vs larger objects +/- 5 centimeters (cm). 5. Latency Readout less than or equal to (≤) 200 milliseconds (ms) meaning sensing, ranging, azimuth, and inclination reading allowing dynamic device sensor use for object or enclosure survey. This 200 ms is the total time from sensing to displaying the result to the human user. This time includes physical sensing, processing to the point the user is provided useful data. 6. Sense through barrier capability Ability for device to sense through paramagnetic barrier materials such as walls (including but not limited to wood, gypsum board, plaster, insulation material) with some barriers inundated with clutter from other materials such as steel studs, nails, screws, pipes and other ferromagnetic materials. 7. Prototype description All parts/components fully integrated in one system of systems, including but not limited to power, API/software, hardware (sensor, cooler – if applicable). 8. Power Power consumption must be 50 W or less. Integrated replaceable power supply offering at least eight (8) hours of cordless and continued operation at temperatures ranging between 16°C and 40°C at a relative humidity between 30 and 60%. 9. Human factors Must be lightweight and compact/portable (e.g.; hand-carried, “shoulderable”, body worn). 10. Size and weight Volumetric dimensions ≤117,232 cm^3 (77 x 52.5 x 29 cm); maximum weight ≤ 15Kg. 11. Environmental considerations The initial device must be designed at least for indoor use at temperatures ranging between 16°C to 30°C with relative humidity between 30-60% 12. Per unit cost Must show that a finished device can be made under $60,000 CAD. Additional Outcomes The proposed solution should: 1. Desirable range It is desirable to have a device that has greater standoff range in excess of 2m. The accuracy in ranging the MA would ideally be less than 1% relative error. Maximum sensing distance is desirable. The device should provide an azimuth to +/- 1 degree, and an inclination of +/- 1 degree. 2. Rough characterization The device provides a rough but human interpretable shape of the object, that allows the object to be characterized or even identified. 3. Sensitivity Produce a prototype capable of surpassing 10 fT sensitivity. 4. Specificity Ability to characterize and identify magnetic anomalies (objects with a known magnetic signature). 5. Quiet Device should be silent (vibration/audible signature). 6. Desired Configuration Device does not emit acoustic, electromagnetic (EM), and/or heat signature. Can run in both low and high humidity in temperature extremes from -20 to +40C, under conditions of vibration, and through cluttered barriers (e.g.; barrier material convoluted with wiring, and magnetic structural material) 7. Target Scale Desirable to be used against both large (room sized) and small (hardware or package sized) enclosures or objects. 8. Static vs oscillating field detection Ability to differentiate between static and oscillating magnetic fields. 9. Characterization of magnetic anomalies/sources Ability to characterize and identify magnetic anomalies. Ability to discern shape and size +/- 1 cm. 10. Human factor / accessibility considerations Device should be suitably adapted as to be easy to train on, easy to use (intuitive), and be in a shape or form factor that is amenable for the operator to use in both open and confined settings. The device should be man portable. Human factor considerations will be rated by a panel of experts and multi-criteria analysis. ( Multi-criteria analysis is a type of option rating technique where by each option is scored against different criteria. For example, one of the best known techniques is Simple Multi-attribute Rating Technique. Whereas essential outcomes are high level mandatory requirements that must be achieved, a scoring system could be devised to rate different prototypes based on criteria found in the additional outcomes.) 11. Environmental considerations Produce a more robust device for outdoor land use capable of -40-40 °C, over a wide range of Canadian climate conditions is desired. This includes extremes in humidity, hot, cold, and use in wet or dusty conditions. Background and context Magnetometry and magnetic sensors play an important role in the detection and measurement of magnetic fields around us. Applications for use exist in many industries and interest areas are not limited to natural resource discovery (including critical minerals), monitoring of the environment, healthcare, defence, and security. For natural resource discovery magnetic sensors are used to help sense and identify mineral deposits including copper, nickel, iron, and gold. Indeed, the same technology has promise in the search for rare earth minerals which are essential to commercial, academic, and security uses. Magnetic sensors also play an important role in environmental monitoring. They can be used to track ocean currents, detect geologic activity, and observe other natural processes. By measuring subtle variations in magnetic fields and related proxy signals, magnetometers provide valuable insights into changes in the Earth’s climate. In healthcare, many imaging technologies—most notably magnetic resonance imaging—depend on generating and detecting subtle perturbations in magnetic flux. Researchers are now exploring the use of nitrogen vacancy diamonds integrated into existing MRI systems, with the goal of achieving higher sensitivity and improved image resolution. Maximum contract value and travel Phase 2 · Maximum funding: $2,000,000.00 CAD · Project duration: Up to 24 months · Estimated number of contracts: 1 This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to award any contracts for the total approximate funding. Final decisions on the number of Phase 2 awards will be made by Canada based on factors such as evaluation results, departmental priorities, and availability of funds. The Government of Canada reserves the right to make partial awards and to negotiate project scope changes. Note: Selected companies are eligible to receive one contract per phase per challenge. Travel Travel to Ottawa about 4 times during the contract period Kick-off meeting All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference. Progress review meeting(s) Any progress review meetings will be conducted by telephone or videoconference. Final review meeting All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference.