The New Projects category funds initiatives that advance cybersecurity and privacy in Canada
Category 2 - New Projects
New 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.
- All projects submitted under the New Project category must completed, including all spending, by March 31, 2029
- Research and Development projects may include either Standard or Spearhead projects:
- Standard – Standard projects are research, training, or commercialization projects that are larger in scope and have clearly defined goals and milestones.
- Spearhead – Originate from post-secondary educational institutions (PSE) and/or not-for-profit (NFP) organizations but perhaps do NOT have matching funds identified.
- Novel in nature and explore riskier early-stage ideas.
- NOT curiosity-driven projects.
- Have defined goals and milestones but should be sufficiently flexible to adapt as new insights emerge.
- Although matching funds are not required for a spearhead project, a plan must be provided to describe how a broader set of collaborators will be engaged over the lifespan of the project.
- Grant Amounts and Matching Contributions Funding Max/Timeline: For all New Projects, matching contributions must be in place and documented with commitment letters, by the time the Stage 3 submission is made.
| Maximum Request of NCC Funding (CDN $) | Recommended* Matching Contribution+ | |
| R&D Standard | $2 Million | 50% |
| R&D Spearhead | $500,000 | Matching not required |
| Commercialization | $1 Million | 70% |
| Training | $1 Million | 50% |
*For example, for an R&D Standard project requesting the maximum $2M, the recommended match would be $2M for a total project value of $4M
- Framework: applications may be up to three years in duration, but all funds and matching dollars must be spent no later than March 31, 2029. Projects will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposal through a peer-review process.
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.