Cyber Security Innovation Network Program - Training and Commercialization

Eligibility

Applicants to the Cyber Security Innovation Network program must meet all of the following criteria in their proposal:

• Be comprised of one or more of the following organizations:
  • Centres of expertise on cybersecurity affiliated with post-secondary institutions
  • Private sector organizations
  • Canadian post-secondary institutions
  • not-for-profit organizations
• Be representative of the diversity of Canada's cyber security ecosystem;
• Be pan-Canadian. This is defined as including centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions, and partners from across Canada's regions (Western/Northern Canada, Central (with representation from both Ontario and Quebec) and Atlantic Canada); and,
• Demonstrate a national vision for the network to advance cyber security research and development, commercialization, and skills and talent development activities that reflect areas of cyber security needs and specialization across Canada.

Summary

The National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) has been appointed by the Government of Canada to lead the Cyber Security Innovation Network program, envisioned as a pan-Canadian network to support the growth of Canada's cyber security ecosystem through industry-academia collaboration. The network will seek to enhance research and development, increase commercialization, and further support the development of skilled cyber security talent across Canada. The Cyber Security Innovation Network will be led by Canadian centres of expertise on cyber security affiliated with post-secondary institutions, with a minimum of three participating centres of expertise, in collaboration with private sector and other partners.

Objectives

• The network will support research and development in cyber security by encouraging collaboration between Canada's post-secondary institutions, the private sector and other partners in order to accelerate the development of innovative cyber security products and/or services;
• The network will seek to accelerate the commercialization of cyber security products, services and/or processes; and,
• The network will seek to diversify, deepen and expand Canada's cyber security pipeline of talent, including the recruitment and retention of faculty, trainers, and instructors, and by providing more resources to curriculum development, training, reskilling and upskilling of the cyber security workforce through initiatives designed and delivered in collaboration with industry partners.

Selection Criteria

The National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) seeks to fund a diverse set of projects that:

• can demonstrate economic, innovation, and social benefits
• ensure technological advancement generated for the cybersecurity ecosystem across Canada
• are technically feasible
• have potential for commercialization in Canada of eligible project Intellectual Property
• support opportunities for collaboration
• are conducted by a diverse mix of organizations within the cybersecurity ecosystem across Canada
• demonstrate regional representation
• contribute to the overall mission of the NCC including development of a trained cyber workforce, development and commercialization of technology and enhanced R&D in cybersecurity-related areas
• support the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• demonstrate the financial capacity of the Ultimate Recipient to successfully carry out the project; note that projects leveraging more outside funding with a lower ask from the NCC will be given preference
• strengthen and promote the sustainability of the NCC

Overhead

No more than 15% of total eligible costs, with restrictions. Refer to the Cyber Security Innovation Network Project Costing Memorandum for more information on overhead, indirect costs, and eligible expenses.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Additional Information and Resources

Application Form and Application Information Guide

Program Webinar and Related Slides

Cybersecurity Guide and Data Management Guidance

Project Costing Memorandum and In-Kind Contribution Guidance

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Guide and Official Languages Guide

All templates and schedules required for submission can be downloaded from here.