DND launches fictional intelligence contest

The Department of National Defence has issued an IDEaS Fictional Intelligence Contest that open to writers and thinkers.

The IDEaS challenge invites you to imagine how future technologies could help defend Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Whether you’re into defence, storytelling, or strategy—this is your chance to share your vision.

The department is seeking essays in hard science fiction that explore how emerging technologies can empower military forces to defend Canada’s sovereignty and national interests in the Arctic.

Writers are encouraged to create imaginative, plausible scenarios that demonstrate how advanced innovations will safeguard Canadian interests and ensure military readiness, while considering the human and strategic impacts of military operations in this challenging and rapidly changing environment.

Prizes

• 1st Place: $10,000

• 2nd Place: $7,500

• 3rd Place: $5,000

• 4th to 10th Place: $2,500 each

• Student Writer Prize: $3,000

• Indigenous Writer Prize: $3,000

• Women and Gender-Diverse Writer Prize: $3,000

• Federal Employee Recognition: Top submission from a federal employee may be considered for publication on the IDEaS website. No monetary prize is available

The deadline for applications is January 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The deadline will be earlier if the 300-entry limit is reached. This contest is a pilot for future initiatives, and a maximum of 50 submissions from federal employees will be accepted. Once that federal cap is reached, no further federal entries will be considered.