Since the Catalyst’s founding in 2018, there has been a clear goal: to create an annual gathering where alumni, participants, stakeholders, friends, and partners could learn from each other, spark collaborations, engage with the Catalyst’s work, and look ahead together. At the second annual Catalyst Summit, that goal came to life.
The Summit brought together graduates, instructors, and mentors from Catalyst training programs — including the Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI), the RBC FinSec Incubator, and CLIC — alongside company founders, mentors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and current industry and academic Fellows. It was a concentrated snapshot of Canada’s cybersecurity community in one room.
Throughout the day, participants built new relationships, exchanged insights on the latest cybersecurity research and trends, and worked through practical responses to pressing digital risks. In a context of rising U.S. tariffs, intensifying global cyber threats, and rapid digital change, the conversations underscored a shared point: Canada’s need for homegrown cybersecurity solutions is urgent and growing.
This year’s Summit also marked a new milestone: the presentation of the first Catalyst Award for Cybersecurity in the Public Interest, recognizing those who advance cybersecurity for the benefit of our communities. We are thrilled to announce that the recipient of this inaugural award is Laurie Pezzente, Senior Vice President & Chief Security Officer at RBC.
Laurie has worked tirelessly to shape Canadian cybersecurity for over 35 years, building one of the country’s largest security teams while championing diversity, inclusion, and mentorship throughout her career. As founding vice-chair of the Catalyst Board, Laurie helped launch programs that opened pathways for hundreds of women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. We congratulate Laurie Pezzente on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her extraordinary leadership and impact.
We also celebrated key milestones, including the launch of the Catalyst Cyber Clinic and the Catalyst Community App — new ways for the Catalyst to support people and organizations across the country. Discussions turned to the health of democracy in Canada and around the world, and to the cyber threats, misinformation, and disinformation that put it at risk.
The aim for this year’s Summit was that members of our community would leave feeling connected, enlightened, and engaged. Judging by the energy in the room and the plans already taking shape, the second annual Catalyst Summit did exactly that — and set the stage for the work we will tackle together in the year ahead.
Photo Credits: Jae Yang and Justin Lenis
