Cyber Challenge
Leading cybersecurity solutions — made in Ontario
In partnership with
Funding provided in part
by the Government of Ontario
The Cyber Challenge is a hands-on cybersecurity program designed to help Ontario-based startups validate, scale, and commercialize cyber solutions by solving real-world industry challenges across key sectors.
What is the Cyber Challenge?
The Cyber Challenge empowers technology startups in Ontario to solve industry-specific challenges in the province’s key sectors: Automotive, Agri-Food, Life Sciences, Smart Infrastructure, Advanced Manufacturing, Law Enforcement, and Mining. The program helps startups bridge the gap between product development and real-world implementation.
Cyber Challenge startups gain access to new markets, client product testing, and exposure and trust-building opportunities while working with seasoned organizations within each sector. Founders will connect with industry leaders to drive innovation and adoption of cybersecurity technologies.
Who should apply?
The Cyber Challenge is designed for early- and growth-stage startups developing cyber solutions and looking to accelerate market adoption and commercial success.
This accelerated program is ideal for:
- Cybersecurity startups seeking product validation and real-world testing opportunities
- Founders looking to enter new industry sectors or expand into new markets
- Companies developing solutions in areas such as data protection, IoT security, critical infrastructure, or digital risk management
- Startups looking to collaborate with enterprise partners and industry leaders
Program Benefits
Participants gain access to a program that supports growth, validation, and commercialization of cybersecurity technologies.
The program addresses industry-identified cybersecurity challenges, each aligning with validated market needs.
Participation in the Cyber Challenge is free — and no equity is taken from participating companies. Our mission is to support growth and success.
Founders will have access to top industry players, forming partnerships that drive innovation and adoption of cybersecurity technologies.
Cyber Challenge Impact & Outcomes
Program Structure & Timeline
Each Cyber Challenge will run for three months, preceded by a preparatory phase that begins upon admission and operates on a rolling basis.
Stage One: Prep Phase
On a rolling basis, accepted startups will:
- Receive resources that will help them identify and validate a cybersecurity challenge within a new target sector;
- Evaluate their market opportunity and value proposition for the new sector;
- Gain access to CCTX and Catalyst communities;
- Pitch their startup, demo, and market entry plan for an opportunity to advance to the next stage.
Stage Two: Cyber Challenge
Over three months, 10 accepted startups will:
Focus Sectors & Cybersecurity Challenges
Advanced Manufacturing
In Ontario, Advanced Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the economy. According to IBM’s 2021 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, the manufacturing sector was the most attacked industry in Canada in 2021.The sector integrates cutting-edge technologies—such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and data analytics—into production processes to enhance efficiency, precision, and flexibility.
This digital evolution exposes the sector to significant cybersecurity challenges:
- Increasing connectivity and IoT/OT security
- Legacy systems and outdated technologies
- Insufficient network segmentation
Smart Infrastructure
The Smart Infrastructure sector in Ontario integrates advanced technologies — such as sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) — into traditional infrastructure systems to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The CSE Annual Report 2022-2023 states that the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security handled 2,089 cybersecurity incidents, 1,132 affecting critical infrastructure.
Smart Infrastructure includes critical services like energy distribution, transportation, water management, and public safety. However, this digital integration introduces cybersecurity challenges, including:
- Insecure Communication Protocols
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
- Data Integrity and Privacy
- Integration of IT and OT systems
- Prime targets due to economic and operational impacts
Agri-Food
Ontario’s Agri-Food sector is a cornerstone of the province’s economy, contributing over $47 billion to the GDP and employing more than 800,000 people. As the sector embraces digital transformation through precision agriculture, automated food processing, and smart supply chain management, it also faces growing cybersecurity risks that could threaten food security, economic stability, and public safety.
Key cybersecurity challenges include:
- Supply chain vulnerabilities
- Operational Technology (OT) Security
- Data privacy and protection
- Threats to critical infrastructure
- Emerging risks from AI and automation
Mining
In Ontario, Mining is a vital industry with a substantial economic footprint. The sector is increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve operational efficiency safety and productivity. However, a Statistics Canada survey revealed that 27.5% of Canadian businesses in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sectors were impacted by cybersecurity incidents related to:
- Integration of IT/OT
- High-value data breaches
- Increased risks due to legacy systems
- Third-party risks
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on advanced technologies — such as body-worn cameras, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools — to enhance public safety and operational efficiency. While these technologies offer significant benefits, they also introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities that can compromise sensitive information and impede law enforcement operations. The sector is impacted by cyber risks related to:
- Supply chain security
- Secure communication channels
- Data storage and access controls
- Third-party vendor management
Automotive
The Automotive cybersecurity sector was valued at $2.76B in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.97% and reach $17.7B by 2031.
The industry in Ontario grapples with unique cybersecurity challenges, such as:
- Security lagging behind innovation;
- Increasing connectivity and IoT applications;
- Use of “system-on-a-chip” leading to increased software complexity;
- Growing consumer concerns for the security of vehicles.
Life Sciences
For Life Sciences, the global market size of IoT healthcare is expected to grow to over $185B by 2025, with health data expected to grow in step.
The Life Sciences sector in Ontario grapples with unique cybersecurity challenges, such as:
- High-value research and patient data loss/manipulation;
- Supply chain vulnerabilities;
- Increasing connectivity and use of IoT devices;
- Security lagging behind innovation.
Ecosystem Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cyber Challenge start?
The Cyber Challenge runs in cohorts.
- Cyber Challenge Cohort 2 began in February 2025.
- Cyber Challenge Cohort 3 will begin in September 2025.
- Cyber Challenge Cohort 4 will begin in January 2026.
Who is eligible for this program?
We welcome applications from startup or scaleup companies who fit the following criteria and have:
- Applicant must be a company incorporated in Ontario, or in Canada but is doing business in Ontario with a permanent establishment in Ontario.
- The proposed project must be carried out in Ontario.
- Companies must ensure they have the right to commercialize their technology in all parts of Ontario.
- Applicants must be a small or medium-sized enterprise, with less than 100 employees.
- Companies must have 1 or more team members with full-time commitment to the business.
- Companies must hold the underlying IP rights or demonstrate an ability to obtain or secure the rights associated with the technology and demonstrate they intend to work towards protecting any currently unprotected IP.
- TRL 3 or greater as attested by applicant and validated through screening.
- Companies must provide a product development timeline that reasonably aligns to the expectations of the incubator program.
- Minimum Viable Product developed, in-market or about to launch.
How is the program structured?
The Cyber Challenge is delivered in two stages. In Stage One, twenty accepted startups will receive resources to identify and validate a cybersecurity challenge within a new target sector, assess their market opportunity, and refine their value proposition. They will also gain access to the CCTX and Catalyst communities and present their startup, product demo, and market entry strategy for consideration for advancement.
In Stage Two, the three-month Cyber Challenge supports ten selected startups. Each participating company receives $20,000 in non-dilutive funding and works with industry experts to strengthen its go-to-market strategy. Startups will also prepare for showcasing, business development, and product testing opportunities with potential clients and partners.
What types of support do participating startups receive?
Startups gain access to industry mentorship, sales and marketing advisory support, intellectual property guidance, and curated introductions to potential enterprise, municipal, and public sector partners. The program emphasizes practical collaboration, helping founders align cybersecurity solutions with validated market demand.
What makes the Cyber Challenge different from other startup programs?
The Cyber Challenge focuses specifically on cybersecurity innovation within critical sectors. It combines non-dilutive funding, industry-driven problem statements, and direct engagement with established organizations. Our program prioritizes real-world validation, commercialization pathways, and long-term ecosystem growth.
Is there a cost to participate in the Cyber Challenge?
Participation in the Cyber Challenge is free. The program does not require equity in exchange for support or funding. Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s mission is to strengthen the Canadian cybersecurity ecosystem by supporting startup growth without diluting founder ownership.
What is the application process?
The application process for the Cyber Challenge is a two-step process:
- Application Form Submission
- Screening Call
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply right here on our website.
All applicants will be reviewed by the Catalyst recruitment team and will be notified of the outcome via email. Successful candidates will receive an offer letter and move forward to Stage One of the program.