Cyber Security Innovation Network
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.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 06, 2021
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 25, 2021
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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|projects
This program targets companies and organizations across Canada aiming to enhance the national cyber security ecosystem. Eligibility is focused on Canadian regional representation to foster inclusive national development.
- Companies and partners from Western/Northern Canada.
- Organizations in Central Canada, including both Ontario and Quebec.
- Entities situated in Atlantic Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Creating a cybersecurity knowledge-sharing network for Canada's public healthcare sector
$150,000
Enhancing cybersecurity training for Indigenous communities through educational workshops and online modules
$300,000
Launching a national cyber security skills pipeline initiative to bridge the labour gap
$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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
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
The grant covers specific eligible expenses associated with administration, operations, and project execution within the Cyber Security Innovation Network.
- Recruiting and retaining faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral candidates, researchers, support engineers, and administrative staff.
- Direct costs of research, including facility access, equipment, materials, supplies, salaries, and stipends.
- Costs related to knowledge mobilization, technology exchange, and exploitation such as prototype development, market studies, and intellectual property associated with the centers' research and policy development.
- Funding for equipment and infrastructure for research, development, and student/researcher training (up to 20% of funds).
- Direct labour costs.
- Subcontractor and consultant fees.
- Travel and outreach costs.
- Indirect costs (overhead), with thresholds.
- Network coordination and oversight activities like organizing networking events, conferences, and workshops to support collaborative R&D activities.
- Operation of network offices, including headquarters and regional offices, and project selection and management.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Request Application Package
- Send an email to cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca to request the Cyber Security Innovation Network application package.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Complete the Application Form available in the package.
- Prepare Appendix A - Financial history of activities, Appendix B - List of Participating Organizations, and Appendix C - Costing and Financing Workbook.
- Ensure all documents adhere to the guidelines and requirements outlined in the reference document Appendix D - Cyber Security Innovation Network cost principles.
- Secure letters of commitment from partners to meet cost-matching requirements.
- Compile all necessary supporting documents as specified in the application guidelines.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Send the completed application package via email to cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca by the deadline of 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) on July 25, 2021.
- Ensure submissions are made by email only, as mailed or faxed submissions will not be accepted.
- Step 4: Acknowledgment of Submission
- Receive acknowledgment of application submission within 48 business hours.
- Retain acknowledgment for your records as proof of submission.
- Step 5: Assessment Process
- ISED will review submitted applications to confirm completeness and eligibility.
- Applicants will be notified in writing if their applications proceed to full assessment.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca
1-800-328-6189
Apply to this program
Boosting Canada's Cyber Security Ecosystem through Strategic Funding
The Cyber Security Innovation Network grant offers a unique opportunity for Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security, in partnership with various sectors, to access up to $80 million over four years. This initiative aims to enhance research and development, increase commercialization, and develop a robust pipeline of skilled cyber security talent across the nation.
Detailed Insights into the Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant
The Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) is a groundbreaking program established with the vision of strengthening Canada's cyber security ecosystem through academic and industry collaboration. Announced in 2019, the program represents a significant investment by the Canadian government, allocating up to $80 million over four years, from 2021-22 to 2024-25, to support the development of a national cyber security network. The initiative is spearheaded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and aims to drive innovation, foster commercialization, and nurture a skilled workforce in the cyber security domain.
The primary goal of CSIN is to enhance Canada's cyber security capabilities by fostering collaborative research and development (R&D) efforts. The network will bring together at least three Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions. These centres will work in tandem with private sector partners, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), larger enterprises, and not-for-profit organizations, across various regions of Canada. This collaborative model is designed to accelerate the development of innovative cyber security products and services, while simultaneously addressing the diverse needs of Canada's cyber security landscape.
A key feature of the grant is its emphasis on commercialization. By supporting the transition of cyber security innovations from research to market, the program seeks to increase the availability of cutting-edge solutions within the Canadian marketplace. This focus on commercialization is intended to not only strengthen Canada's competitive edge in the global cyber security industry but also stimulate economic growth and job creation within the sector.
Furthermore, the CSIN grant prioritizes the development of a skilled cyber security workforce. By providing resources for curriculum development, training programs, and initiatives focused on reskilling and upskilling, the network aims to expand the pool of qualified professionals ready to tackle modern cyber security challenges. This workforce development component is critical in ensuring that Canada can sustainably meet the growing demand for cyber security experts in both the public and private sectors.
In order to be eligible for the grant, applicants must form a network led by a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. These networks must demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring representation from underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. This commitment to diversity is reflected in the program's governance requirements, which aspire to gender parity and substantial representation from diverse groups within the network's leadership and operational teams.
The application process is thorough and involves a detailed proposal submission that outlines planned activities across the key pillars of research, commercialization, and workforce development. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to match the federal funds dollar for dollar, ensuring an aggregate investment of $160 million over the life cycle of the program. This matching can include both cash and in-kind contributions from various non-federal entities, such as private companies, post-secondary institutions, and other supporting organizations across Canada.
Overall, the Cyber Security Innovation Network grant represents a strategic initiative to address national cyber security challenges by leveraging Canada's innovation capabilities and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. By participating in this program, applicants can drive impactful advancements in cyber security, create skilled job opportunities, and contribute to safeguarding Canada's digital infrastructure for the future.