The goal of this funding category is to support projects that make impactful progress on highly targeted, larger budget projects intended to be quickly transformative.
Category One - Accelerated Projects
Accelerated Projects at a Glance
We encourage you to review the 2025 Call for Proposals Guide for more detailed information about projects, matching contributions, and organization eligibility.
Organizations may submit project applications in one of three categories:
Commercialization projects support the commercialization of new technology (with Technology Readiness Levels 7-9), and products and services that address cybersecurity challenges in critical infrastructure protection, human-centric cybersecurity, network security, software security, and privacy and privacy-enhancing technologies.
Research and Development (R&D):
R&D Standard projects support research and development activities (with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-6) to design and implement innovative cybersecurity technologies, advance the state-of-the-art, and conduct studies.
R&D Spearhead projects are originally from post-secondary educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations that are novel in nature, explore risky early-stage ideas, and have defined goals and milestones. Projects should also be sufficiently flexible to adapt as new insights emerge.
Training projects provide robust and varied opportunities for the upskilling and reskilling of cybersecurity professionals across a variety of cybersecurity-related disciplines. Training projects may include public activities to raise cybersecurity awareness.
- Funding Max/Timeline: Up to $2.5M – fully completed by March 31, 2028
- Grant Amounts and Matching Contributions:
-
- Maximum Request of NCC Funding (CDN $) = $2.5 million
-
- Recommended Matching Contributions:
-
-
- 70% for commercialization projects
-
-
-
- 50% for R&D and Training projects
-
-
-
- For example, for commercialization projects requesting the maximum $2.5M, the recommended match would be $5.8M for a total project value of $8.3M
-
-
-
- Matching contributions must be in place and fully committed by the completion of Stage 2 and fully dispersed by March 31, 2028
-
- Framework: A targeted initiative that will address a critical need facing cybersecurity/privacy. Milestones/goals and KPIs with tangible deliverables must be clearly identified. These are intended to be substantial, high value projects. Funding is provided using the reimbursement approach only.
Stage 1: Letter of Intent
Stage 2: Project Proposal
Stage 3: Due Diligence Submission
Public Announcement of Awarded Projects
Eligible Organizations
Canadian organizations that carry out their activities primarily within Canada are eligible to submit a project proposal. Organizations must fall within one of the following three categories:
Information Sessions
The NCC is offering a series of information sessions to guide project teams through the funding categories, streams, and application processes.
Resources
To support applicants during the Call for Proposals submission process, our Call for Proposals Guides and other resources offer great insight into everything you need to know, including eligibility, reporting, financing streams, and general best practices.
Streams & Matching Contributions
The NCC supports initiatives with funding from the Government of Canada through the Cyber Security Innovation Network program. Three submission streams are considered as part of the Call for Proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Putting together a funding proposal can be an involved undertaking, but the National Cybersecurity Consortium team is here to support applicants during the process. We compiled a list of questions that our team is frequently asked to help you prepare your application.