...Through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, government departments are inviting small businesses to come up with a new innovative product, service or solution in answer to specific challenges they face. Winning small businesses may receive up to $150,000 to refine their research and development and, if accepted into Phase 2, receive up to $1 million to develop a working prototype. The government can then act as a first customer, helping small businesses to commercialize their innovations, scale up their business and create good middle-class jobs across Canada.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, ... announced the launch of two new challenges led by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

First, the CBSA is seeking a solution to process small packets and packages in and out of x-ray systems without being stopped or redirected on a conveyer belt. This technical improvement would help increase contraband detection and allow faster processing of post and parcels for Canadians. 

Second, the CBSA is looking for a technological solution to safely and quickly extract and handle samples of potentially highly toxic substances. Currently, officers take samples of unknown substances by hand during the examination of packages from cars, cargo and people. This technological solution would improve the safety of border services officers...

This was excerpted from 8 May 2019 news release by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.