Closed
Cyber Security Innovation Network
Supports pan-Canadian cyber security research, commercialization, and talent development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 6, 2021
- Closing date : July 25, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
The Cyber Security Innovation Network Program, funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, aims to support a national network to enhance Canada's cyber security ecosystem through academic-industry collaboration. With an $80 million investment over four years, the program focuses on research and development, commercialization of cyber security innovations, and the development of skilled cyber security talent. Eligible activities include collaborative technology R&D, commercialization initiatives, and innovative approaches to address skills and labour gaps in the cyber security sector.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 6, 2021
- Closing date : July 25, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development of innovative cyber security technologies, products, or services.
- Commercialization initiatives to bring new cyber security solutions to market, including activities that help companies expand and access new customers.
- Development and implementation of national initiatives to address cyber security skills and labour gaps, such as training programs, curriculum development, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
- Organization of conferences, workshops, and networking events to foster collaboration between stakeholders in academia, industry, and government.
- Projects aimed at enhancing collaboration between Canadian post-secondary institutions, the private sector, and other partners to accelerate innovation in cyber security.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with Canadian post-secondary institutions
- Private sector companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger enterprises
- Canadian post-secondary institutions (e.g., research centres, universities, colleges, polytechnics)
- Not-for-profit organizations (including industry associations, incubators, accelerators, and skills development organizations)
Who is not eligible
- Individuals (not eligible to apply as lead applicants).
- Municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments (not eligible to apply as lead applicants).
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral candidates, researchers, support engineers, and administrative staff directly related to the project.
- Direct research costs, including facility access, equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Stipends for project personnel.
- Costs associated with knowledge mobilization, technology exchange, and exploitation (such as prototype development, market studies, and intellectual property related to research).
- Up to 20% of funds for equipment and infrastructure used in research, development, and student/researcher training.
- Direct labour costs for project delivery.
- Subcontractor and consulting fees associated with project activities.
- Travel and outreach expenses directly related to project implementation.
- Eligible indirect costs (overhead), up to program-defined thresholds.
Eligible geographic areas
- Pan-Canadian: Centres of expertise and partners from Western/Northern Canada, Central Canada (including both Ontario and Quebec), and Atlantic Canada must be included.
Additional information
- Contributions received from foreign entities are not eligible for cash or in-kind matching and must be kept separate from network-funded activities.
- The lead recipient is required to provide communications and services in both official languages, complying with the Official Languages Act.
- The program is subject to the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, which may affect confidentiality and record retention.
- Ongoing oversight, including the submission of annual corporate plans and performance reports, is mandatory throughout the funding period.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cyber Security Innovation Network Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Cyber Security Innovation Network. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Cyber Security Innovation Network?
The Cyber Security Innovation Network Program, funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, aims to support a national network to enhance Canada's cyber security ecosystem through academic-industry collaboration. With an $80 million investment over four years, the program focuses on research and development, commercialization of cyber security innovations, and the development of skilled cyber security talent. Eligible activities include collaborative technology R&D, commercialization initiatives, and innovative approaches to address skills and labour gaps in the cyber security sector.
How much funding can be received?
Cyber Security Innovation Network Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was July 25, 2021.
Who is eligible for the Cyber Security Innovation Network program?
To be eligible for the Cyber Security Innovation Network program, you must:
Participate as a partner in a network led by three or more Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions.
Be part of a pan-Canadian consortium, including private sector partners.
Ability to provide matching funds (cash and/or in-kind contributions) for eligible project activities.
What expenses are eligible under Cyber Security Innovation Network?
Collaborative research and development of innovative cyber security technologies, products, or services.
Commercialization initiatives to bring new cyber security solutions to market, including activities that help companies expand and access new customers.
Development and implementation of national initiatives to address cyber security skills and labour gaps, such as training programs, curriculum development, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Organization of conferences, workshops, and networking events to foster collaboration between stakeholders in academia, industry, and government.
Projects aimed at enhancing collaboration between Canadian post-secondary institutions, the private sector, and other partners to accelerate innovation in cyber security.
Who can I contact for more information about the Cyber Security Innovation Network?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.
Where is the Cyber Security Innovation Network available?
The Cyber Security Innovation Network program is available across Canada.