Catalyst Cyber Accelerator
Scale-up your cyber startup with Canada’s only cybersecurity-focused commercial accelerator.
Overview
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is the first and foremost cybersecurity-focused business accelerator, designed to help early-stage cybersecurity companies grow into industry leaders.
There is no cost to participate and we do not take equity in participating companies. The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is supported by the Government of Canada, Rogers Communications and the City of Brampton.
We are a proud member of GAN – powered by Morrow
Benefits of the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator
There’s a lot to gain from joining us to scale-up your business.
What You’ll Get
Our intensive, part-time three-and-a-half-month accelerator offers the following benefits (and a whole lot more).
What You’ll Get
Our intensive, part-time three-and-a-half-month accelerator offers the following benefits (and a whole lot more).
Knowledge and Expertise
Workshops from industry-leading experts in product strategy, marketing, operations, sales growth, legal strategy and more.
Mentorship
Access to 1:1 engagement opportunities and mentorship support from leading companies and entrepreneurs.
Connections
Peer engagement opportunities and access to our growing network of cybersecurity investors.
Knowledge and Expertise
Workshops from industry-leading experts in product strategy, marketing, operations, sales growth, legal strategy and more.
Mentorship
Access to 1:1 engagement opportunities and mentorship support from leading companies and entrepreneurs.
Connections
Peer engagement opportunities and access to our growing network of cybersecurity investors.
Who Can Apply
Here’s what you’ll need to join the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from Canadian start-up or scale-up companies who fit the following criteria.
Purpose
A mission dedicated to solving a compelling cybersecurity problem using innovative technology.
Leadership
A driven, coachable and collaborative leadership team with a clearly laid-out organizational roadmap.
Revenue
Demonstrated monthly recurring revenue — for at least three consecutive months — from a viable product.
At least one FTE dedicated to sales and revenue development.
Exceptions to the above criteria may be made on a case-by-case basis for promising companies in certain parts of the tech ecosystem.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from Canadian start-up or scale-up companies who fit the following criteria.
Purpose
A mission dedicated to solving a compelling cybersecurity problem using innovative technology.
Leadership
A driven, coachable and collaborative leadership team with a clearly laid-out organizational roadmap.
Revenue
Demonstrated monthly recurring revenue — for at least three consecutive months — from a viable product.
At least one FTE dedicated to sales and revenue development.
Exceptions to the above criteria may be made on a case-by-case basis for promising companies in certain parts of the tech ecosystem.
Additional Entry Requirements
Time Commitment
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is an intense three-and-a-half-month program. During this time, your leadership team is expected to maximize the available resources to help scale your business and are required to take time out of day-to-day business operations.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required for admission to the program.
Canadian Presence
Companies must have registered business operations in Canada.
Additional Entry Requirements
Time Commitment
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is an intense three-and-a-half-month program. During this time, your leadership team is expected to maximize the available resources to help scale your business and are required to take time out of day-to-day business operations.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required for admission to the program.
Canadian Presence
Companies must have registered business operations in Canada.
What makes an ideal applicant?
The program seeks emerging cybersecurity start-ups that are looking to scale and grow. This could include, but is not limited to, companies with the following fields.
- Predictive Analytics
- Risk Management
- IoT Security
- Identity & Access
- Network Security
- Architecture
- Governance
- Management
- Data Security
- Encryption
- Threat Intelligence
We also consider applications from companies in peripheral industries where security is a key component of the business, including products and services in areas such as fintech, blockchain, mobility security and AI.
What makes an ideal applicant?
The program seeks emerging cybersecurity start-ups that are looking to scale and grow. This could include, but is not limited to, companies with the following fields.
- Predictive Analytics
- Risk Management
- IoT Security
- Identity & Access
- Network Security
- Architecture
- Governance
- Management
- Data Security
- Encryption
- Threat Intelligence
We also consider applications from companies in peripheral industries where security is a key component of the business, including products and services in areas such as fintech, blockchain, mobility security and AI.
For questions about the eligibility criteria or for further enquiries about the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator program, please contact Bahja Ibrahim at catalystaccelerator@torontomu.ca.
Corporates-in-Residence and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
The success of the program is driven by the expertise and support of some of the world’s top business and tech minds, who offer targeted workshops, 1:1 engagement opportunities and mentorship support.
Meet the Companies
Our network of corporate partners drive success for participating companies by providing access to senior leaders and functional teams within some of the most sophisticated enterprise-level cybersecurity operations in Canada.
Meet the Mentors
Our network of industry-leading experts provide subject matter expertise across key domains including: sales and pipeline development; strategic marketing; fundraising strategy; architecture solutions; and government relations.
How to Apply
Everything you need to know about preparing your application for the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator.
Application Process
Applications for the Accelerator are accepted on a rolling basis, with 5 – 10 companies selected per cohort. The application process involves four steps.
Companies are required to complete the online application form, including an overview of their organization, product, market, leadership and journey to date. Companies are also encouraged to share a pitch deck and/or demo video.
Applications will be reviewed by the Accelerator team and information will be validated against application criteria. Businesses may be required to submit additional information.
The initial interview is an opportunity for startups to pitch their business idea to the Accelerator team. Companies may then be invited to a second interview where they’ll be required to share more information on the technical aspects of the business and organizational roadmap.
If accepted into the program, companies will be required to provide business registration and insurance information before signing a confirmation of participation.
Upcoming Cohort Dates
- Cohort 7 (February 2023 – May 2023) – Applications now closed.
- Cohort 8 (May 2023 – August 2023) Cohort 9 (September 2023 – December 2023)
- Cohort 9 (September 2023 – December 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator and read frequently asked questions from participating companies.
About the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator
The first of its kind in Canada, the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator provides growth strategies, mentorship and resources to support the most promising cybersecurity startups. Our goal is to help advance and scale companies so they can innovate, commercialize and compete at the global level.
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is the only accelerator in Canada designed specifically for cybersecurity companies. The program provides customized business and entrepreneurship support in areas such as sales, hiring, strategic marketing and leadership coaching for executive staff. There is no cost to participate in the Accelerator and we do not take a share of equity or intellectual property from participating companies.
Applying to the Accelerator
The program seeks emerging early-stage cybersecurity companies looking to enhance their go-to-market strategies and build their value proposition. While the Accelerator is specific to cybersecurity startups, companies from peripheral industries where security is a key component of the business may also apply. For more information on eligibility criteria, please visit the Eligibility page.
Applications are open year-round and will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information on how to apply, including upcoming cohort start dates, please visit the Application Process page.
Upcoming cohorts in 2022 and 2023:
- Cohort 9 (September 2023 – December 2023)
5-10 companies will be selected for each cohort.
Successful applicants have an experienced and dedicated leadership team that demonstrate a commitment to seizing the opportunities and tackling the challenges of cybersecurity. During the selection stage, companies are evaluated on criteria such as their product development roadmap and understanding of their product and market. For more information, please visit the Eligibility page.
Yes, single founders may apply but companies must have at least one full-time employee dedicated to sales and business development.
Currently, we are committed to supporting Canadian cybersecurity start-ups. While the program provides a global network for companies to engage with, we do not currently accept applications from companies that do not have a Canadian presence.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required for admission to the program.
Participating in the Accelerator
The program runs for 3.5 months (14 weeks), during which time leadership teams are expected to maximize the resources available and take time out of the day-to-day operations of their business.
The Accelerator is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario but the program runs virtually, so companies from anywhere in Canada can apply.
No, we do not take a share of equity or intellectual property from participating companies. This also applies to intellectual property that is developed and/or filed during a company’s participation in the program.
Although we don’t invest directly into participating companies, we have a strong network of venture capitalists and angel investors within the Canadian & US markets to help companies access capital. While we cannot guarantee access to funding, we have a dedicated funding relations team to help companies that are actively raising their funding rounds.
Participating Companies
Since May 2020, over 50 companies have participated in the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator.
Accelerator Alumni
