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|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
The Cyber Security Innovation Network is expected to undertake activities to enhance research and development, increase commercialization, and develop a pipeline of skilled talent.
- Collaborative cyber security technology research and development, such as conceptual design, proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, creation of intellectual property, technology/product testing, knowledge mobilization activities, and development of new products, services, and/or processes.
- Commercialization of innovative cyber security products and services, including activities related to the exploitation and retention of intellectual property, and business development services for firms to facilitate access to new customers and expand markets.
- Development of innovative national approaches to address skills and labour gaps in Canada, such as identifying and communicating industry-oriented skills needs, training modules, education pathways development, curriculum development, coaching/mentoring, and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities.
- Organization of networking events, conferences, and workshops in support of collaborative R&D activities.
- Operation of network offices (headquarters and regional offices) and the selection and management of projects.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Ottawa
Creating a cybersecurity knowledge-sharing network for Canada's public healthcare sector
$150,000
Montreal
Enhancing cybersecurity training for Indigenous communities through educational workshops and online modules
$300,000
Toronto
Launching a national cyber security skills pipeline initiative to bridge the labour gap
$200,000
Vancouver
Commercializing a blockchain-based secure transaction platform for financial institutions
$200,000
Toronto
Developing an AI-based intrusion detection system in collaboration with local universities
$250,000
Calgary
Launching a cybersecurity research lab focused on IoT security for smart cities
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To qualify for this grant, applicants must form a network led by at least three Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions and meet several other specific requirements.
- 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 to be incorporated at the time of application).
- Be representative of the diversity of Canada's cyber security ecosystem, including various partners like private sector, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial/territorial/municipal governments.
- Include commitments from a combination of partners to match the funds requested at a 1:1 ratio.
- Be pan-Canadian, including centres of expertise and partners from Western/Northern Canada, Central (with representation from both Ontario and Quebec), and Atlantic Canada.
- Demonstrate a national vision for advancing cyber security research and development, commercialization, and skills and talent development activities across Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies mentioned for this grant. The Cyber Security Innovation Network program allows various types of organizations to become ultimate recipients and partners.
- Centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions
- Private sector (including both small and medium-sized enterprises and larger enterprises)
- Canadian post-secondary institutions (e.g., research centres, universities, colleges, polytechnics)
- Not-for-profit organizations (e.g., industry associations, incubators and accelerators, skills development organizations, etc.)
- Provincial/territorial/municipal governments
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant context does not explicitly mention any specific types of companies that are not eligible for the grant. However, it outlines that municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments are not eligible to be lead applicants or ultimate recipients.
- Municipal governments
- Provincial governments
- Territorial governments
- Federal governments
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible costs include administration and operating costs, as well as certain project-specific costs.
- Direct labour
- Subcontractor and consultants
- Equipment
- Direct costs
- Travel and outreach costs
- Indirect costs (overhead) within specified thresholds
- Recruiting and retaining faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral candidates, researchers, support engineers, and administrative staff
- Direct costs of research, including facility access and equipment, material and supplies, salaries, and stipends
- Costs related to knowledge mobilization, technology exchange and exploitation
- Up to 20 percent of funds may be used for equipment and infrastructure for research, development, and student/researcher training
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are defined as a pan-Canadian scope, including centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions and partners from across Canada's regions.
- Western/Northern Canada
- Central Canada (including representation from both Ontario and Quebec)
- Atlantic Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications for funding under the Cyber Security Innovation Network will be evaluated in three steps: Initial screening, full assessment by an advisory group, and a funding decision by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
- Initial screening
- Completeness of applications
- Confirm the eligibility of applicants and proposed activities
- Full assessment by an advisory group
- Proposed activities against the three pillars of network activities (Research and development, Commercialization, and Skills and talent development)
- Program requirements (Intellectual property strategy, Data management strategy, Cyber security plan, Cost-matching requirements, Equity, diversity, and inclusion framework, and Network sustainability)
- Expected benefits to Canada (ecosystem impact, level of collaboration, level of innovation, technological advancement, spillover benefits)
- Economic benefits (potential disruptive market impact, path to commercialization, job creation)
- Public benefits (pipeline of skilled talent, enhancement of under-represented groups)
- Due diligence risk assessment (Managerial and governance, Technical and workforce capability, Security, Financial, Trade, and Market)
- Potential areas of collaboration
- Virtual meetings with advisory group
- Funding decision by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Program launch, application period opens (May 6, 2021)
- Step 2: Application period (May-July 2021)
- Step 3: Deadline for applications and close of the application period (July 25, 2021)
- Step 4: Assessment and selection period (August-November 2021)
- Step 5: Selection of the lead recipient (November-December 2021)
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
Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant Summary
The Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant aims to create a national collaboration between Canadian post-secondary institutions, private sectors, and other partners to bolster research, development, commercialization, and skill development in cybersecurity. The program is funded with $80 million over four years, requiring a 1:1 match from partners, potentially leading to a total investment of $160 million.
Comprehensive Guide to the Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant
Canada's digital economy is growing, and with it, the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect valuable digital assets and infrastructure. The Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant, a federal initiative announced in Budget 2019, is designed to strengthen Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem through collaboration, research, and talent development. Below, we will delve into the intricacies of this grant, its objectives, eligibility requirements, funding details, and how to apply.
Introduction to the Cyber Security Innovation Network
The Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant was born out of a strategic vision to support a national network that fosters academic-industry collaboration. This effort is aimed at buoying Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem, enhancing research and development (R&D), boosting commercialization of innovative solutions, and developing a proficient talent pipeline for the cybersecurity sector.
The grant provides a substantial funding pool of up to $80 million over four years (2021-22 to 2024-25), which will be allocated through a four-year non-repayable contribution agreement with a selected lead recipient. The selected recipient, a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization, will be responsible for forming and managing the Cyber Security Innovation Network.
Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the Program
Vision: To support a national network to grow Canada’s cyber security ecosystem through academic-industry collaboration.
Mission: The Cyber Security Innovation Network will seek to enhance and expand cyber security research and development; increase commercialization; and, develop a pipeline of skilled cyber security talent.
Objectives:
- Encourage collaboration between Canada’s post-secondary institutions, the private sector, and other partners to accelerate the development of innovative cyber security products and services.
- Accelerate the commercialization of cyber security products, services, and processes.
- Diversify, deepen, and expand Canada’s cyber security talent pipeline through curriculum development, training, and reskilling initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant, an applicant’s proposal must meet the following criteria:
- Comprise 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 by the time of signing the contribution agreement.
- Represent the diversity of Canada’s cyber security ecosystem, including a mix of partners such as private sector entities, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial/territorial/municipal governments.
- Include commitments to match the requested funds on a 1:1 basis.
- Be pan-Canadian, involving centres and partners from various regions of Canada (Western/Northern, Central, Atlantic).
- Demonstrate a national vision to advance cyber security R&D, commercialization, and skill development activities.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities under the network encompass:
- Research and Development: Includes proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, technology/product testing, and creation of intellectual property.
- Commercialization: Tailored towards the exploitation of intellectual property, business development services, market studies, and advisory services.
- Skills and Talent Development: Involves initiatives such as curriculum development, training modules, reskilling and upskilling solutions, co-op programs, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Governance Structure and Management
The lead recipient must ensure a robust governance and administrative structure, including:
- Board of Directors: Responsible for the network’s overall strategic direction, financial accountability, and execution of annual plans.
- Key Management Positions: Including a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
- Network Staff: Operational staff responsible for day-to-day activities, including fund redistribution, project management, and partner coordination.
- Committees: Establishment of relevant committees, particularly for project selection.
- Conflict of Interest Framework: Aims to prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest among network participants.
- Network Membership Structure: Formalizing the participation of ecosystem members and defining terms for membership benefits.
Funding Details
The program’s contribution will cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs for any recipient, and up to 100 percent for eligible recipients that are academic institutions. Costs covered include administration and operational costs, direct costs of research, equipment, subcontractor costs, and more. In-kind contributions are also allowed and must be provided at fair market value. There are limits on in-kind and cash contributions over the four years, with an emphasis on cash contributions increasing in the later years of the grant period.
Cyber Security and Data Management
A critical component of the application is the development of a comprehensive cyber security plan and data management strategy:
- Cyber Security Plan: Includes measures to ensure cyber resilience, risk identification, and the implementation of security controls as per guidelines by CCCS and CCST.
- Data Management Strategy: Emphasizes data governance, ownership, collection, sharing, integrity, and compliance with privacy laws.
Intellectual Property
The lead and ultimate recipients are required to develop an intellectual property (IP) strategy aimed at maximizing economic and innovation benefits to Canada. This includes clear policies on IP ownership, technology transfer, and strategies to boost collaboration among Canadian stakeholders.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework
The network must implement an EDI framework to enhance the participation of underrepresented groups. The framework should include specific actions, performance metrics, and targets, striving for a Board composition of 50 percent gender parity and 30 percent representation from other underrepresented groups.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps from the initial submission to the final funding decision:
- Submission Process: Applicants must submit their completed application package by a specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Assessment and Selection Process: Evaluates applications based on completeness, eligibility, and merit. ISED officials and an advisory group of subject-matter experts will assess the applications, focusing on pillars such as R&D, commercialization, skills development, IP strategies, and expected benefits to Canada.
Oversight and Monitoring
The lead recipient must provide annual corporate plans and annual reports to ensure accountability. These documents should detail planned objectives, expenditures, performance monitoring strategies, and financial statements.
Additional Policies and Considerations
Compliance with the Access to Information Act, Privacy Act, International agreements, and the Lobbying Act and Conflict of Interest Act is mandatory. Additionally, adherence to the Official Languages Act ensures communications and services are available in both English and French.
Conclusion
The Cyber Security Innovation Network Grant represents a significant opportunity for Canadian post-secondary institutions and their partners to contribute to the nation's cybersecurity landscape. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments in R&D, commercialization, and skill development, the program aims to position Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
For more information and to access the application package, interested parties should contact the Cyber Security Innovation Network program team via email or phone during business hours.
