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Cyber Security Innovation Network
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Supports pan-Canadian cyber security research, commercialization, and talent development
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Research and experimental development
- Develop employee 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
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 200,000
Developing an AI-based intrusion detection system in collaboration with local universities
$ 200,000
Commercializing a blockchain-based secure transaction platform for financial institutions
$ 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
$ 250,000
Launching a cybersecurity research lab focused on IoT security for smart cities
$ 150,000
Enhancing cybersecurity training for Indigenous communities through educational workshops and online modules
Eligibility
- The applicant must be 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 (incorporation must be prior to signing the contribution agreement, but not necessarily at the time of application).
- The network must represent diversity within Canada's cyber security ecosystem, including pan-Canadian participation (with centres and partners from Western/Northern Canada, Central Canada including Ontario and Quebec, and Atlantic Canada).
- The proposal must include commitments from partners (private sector, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits, and/or provincial/territorial/municipal governments) to provide matching funds on a 1:1 basis with federal funding.
- The applicant must demonstrate a national vision for cyber security research, development, commercialization, and talent development.
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.
Selection criteria
- Strength of proposed activities in research and development, commercialization, and skills and talent development.
- Quality and completeness of program requirements: intellectual property strategy, data management strategy, cyber security plan, cost-matching commitments, equity, diversity and inclusion framework, and network sustainability plan.
- Expected benefits to Canada, including innovation, economic, and public benefits, such as ecosystem impact, collaboration, level of innovation, commercialization potential, job creation, and diversification of skilled talent.
- Rigour of due diligence risk assessment, evaluating managerial, technical, security, financial, trade, and market capacities to achieve program objectives.
How to apply
1
Request Application Package
Send an email to cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca to request the Cyber Security Innovation Network application package.
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.
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.
4
Acknowledgment of Submission
- Receive acknowledgment of application submission within 48 business hours.
- Retain acknowledgment for your records as proof of submission.
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.
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
cybersecuritynetwork-reseaucybersecurite@ised-isde.gc.ca
1-800-328-6189
