How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Cyber Security Innovation Network?

Cyber Security Innovation Network is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

What are Cyber Security Innovation Network's eligibility criterias?

Must be composed as a network led by three or more Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions. Must be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (incorporation can be completed post-application). Must include commitments from partners to match the funds requested on a 1:1 ratio.

Cyber Security Innovation Network

grant_single|update January 24, 2025

Canada

The Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant supports a pan-Canadian network to enhance cyber security R&D, commercialization, and talent development through academic-industry collaboration.

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grant_single|deadlines

grant_single|openingDate May 6, 2021
grant_single|closingDate July 25, 2021

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Grant and Funding

grant_single|eligibleIndustries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

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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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides specific financing modalities designed to maximize the effective use of resources and align with recipients' capacity to meet program objectives. The modalities are structured to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with the program's financial guidelines.

Non-repayable contributions of up to $80 million over four years.
Cost-sharing requirement with a 1:1 matching fund from non-federal partners, totaling a minimum investment of $160 million over four years.
Eligible academic institutions may receive contributions covering up to 100% of their eligible costs.
The program's contribution to other eligible recipients will not exceed 50% of their total eligible costs.
Detailed cost-sharing requirements must be met with letters of commitment from partners included in the application package.
Potential for retroactive costs coverage up to 20% of total eligible costs upon approval.
Advance payments may be considered based on risk assessment and cash flow requirements.
Indirect costs are limited to thresholds of 55% on direct labour and up to 15% of total eligible costs.
Stacking limits with the total government support not exceeding 75% of eligible costs, with academic recipients permitted 100%.
Payments are contingent upon documented claims for incurred eligible costs, verified by lead recipients.
Funding from foreign entities cannot count towards cash or in-kind contributions to the network's matching requirements.
Additional contributions beyond initial requirements can be applied to ineligible costs at recipients' discretion.
Periodic financial reporting and performance monitoring are mandatory to ensure compliance and track funding usage.
Non-refundable nature of the contributions made under the program.

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The Cyber Security Innovation Network grant supports activities aimed at enhancing research and development, boosting commercialization, and developing a skilled talent pipeline in the field of cyber security. These activities involve collaborative efforts between academic institutions, private sector organizations, and other partners to address cyber security challenges in Canada.

Collaborative cyber security technology research and development, including design, validation, prototype development, creation of intellectual property, and technology testing.
Commercialization of innovative cyber security products and services, encompassing intellectual property exploitation and business development services to access new markets.
Development of national strategies to tackle skills and labor gaps in cyber security through industry-oriented skills assessments, educational pathway development, curriculum support, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Organization of networking events, conferences, and workshops to support collaborative research and development activities.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 200,000

Creating a cybersecurity knowledge-sharing network for Canada's public healthcare sector

$ 300,000

Launching a national cyber security skills pipeline initiative to bridge the labour gap

$ 150,000

Enhancing cybersecurity training for Indigenous communities through educational workshops and online modules

$ 200,000

Commercializing a blockchain-based secure transaction platform for financial institutions

$ 200,000

Developing an AI-based intrusion detection system in collaboration with local universities

$ 250,000

Launching a cybersecurity research lab focused on IoT security for smart cities

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Cyber Security Innovation Network grant requires meeting specific criteria regarding the applicant's composition and structure.

The applicant must be comprised as a network led by three or more Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions.
The applicant must be federally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
The network must include representation of the diversity of Canada's cyber security ecosystem, including but not limited to post-secondary institutions, private sector, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental partners.
The applicant must include commitments from partners to match the funds requested from the Cyber Security Innovation Network program at a 1:1 ratio.
The network must be pan-Canadian, encompassing partners from Western/Northern Canada, Central Canada, and Atlantic Canada.
The applicant must demonstrate a national vision for advancing cyber security R&D, commercialization, and talent development.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Cyber Security Innovation Network Program is designed to support the formation of a national network led by Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions. Eligible candidates must:

Be comprised as a network led by three or more Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions.
Be federally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (not required at the time of application).
Include representation from a diverse range of Canada's cyber security ecosystem including centres of expertise, private sector partners, Canadian post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial/territorial/municipal governments.
Have partners committed to a 1:1 financial match of the funds requested from the program.
Be pan-Canadian, with involvement from different Canadian regions (Western/Northern Canada, Central Canada, and Atlantic Canada).
Submit a proposal that demonstrates a national vision to advance cyber security research and development, commercialization, and skills and talent development.

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There are no specific types of companies or industries that are explicitly restricted from applying for this grant. However, the grant is primarily targeted at forming a network led by Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions.

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The Cyber Security Innovation Network grant focuses on enhancing research and development in cyber security, increasing commercialization of innovative products, and developing a skilled workforce. Eligible activities emphasize collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector, and other partners to address technological challenges and skills gaps in Canada.

Collaborative cyber security technology research and development, including conceptual design, proof-of-concept validation, and prototype development.
Commercialization activities related to intellectual property exploitation and business development services.
Development of national approaches to address skills and labour gaps, such as industry-oriented training modules and curriculum development.
Organization of networking events and conferences to support collaborative research and development activities.
Operation of network headquarters and regional offices for coordination and oversight of activities.
Selection and management of projects that contribute to the network's objectives.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies and organizations located across Canada. Participation must include representation from various Canadian regions to ensure a pan-Canadian network.

Western/Northern Canada.
Central Canada, with representation from both Ontario and Quebec.
Atlantic Canada.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on criteria that ensure projects align with the program's strategic objectives, along with enhancing the cyber security ecosystem in Canada through research, commercialization, and skill development.

Funding commitment
Timelines of project delivery
Assessments of the potential economic, innovation and public benefits
Technical feasibility of a project
Areas of cyber security specialization
Potential for commercialization in Canada (including intellectual property)
Private sector and other partner participation must be representative of the diverse mix of organizations within the cyber security ecosystem in Canada
Opportunities for collaboration and synergies between projects
Regional representation
Financial capacity of ultimate recipients to carry out projects
Projects contribute to the objectives of the network to enhance R&D, increase commercialization, and develop a pipeline of skilled cyber security talent
Project benefits strengthen and promote the sustainability of the network

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The Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) program provides miscellaneous information to guide applicants on processes, requirements, and supports available for submitting an application.

Further details are available on ISED's website regarding program objectives, requirements, and how to apply to CSIN.
Contact information for the CSIN program team includes an email and phone number for assistance and inquiries.
The mailing address for CSIN is provided for physical correspondence.
The CSIN application package must be submitted via email by 11:59pm PST on the specified deadline date.
Applicants will receive an acknowledgment of the submission of their application within 48 business hours.
The retention period for electronic copies of all applications is ten years for record-keeping purposes.
The CSIN is administered according to Canada’s international agreements, and contributions are not contingent on actual or anticipated export performance.