Cyber for Startups
Make cybersecurity your competitive advantage, from day one.
With support from
Overview
Cyber for Startups equips early- to mid-stage technology startups with the cybersecurity knowledge needed to embed security by design into their go-to-market strategy, boosting their procurement and investment readiness. Delivered in partnership with innovation hubs across Canada, the program includes six interactive online sessions, practical templates and tools, and mentor coaching to help companies assess their current cybersecurity posture and develop a tailored roadmap toward security and resilience.
Embedding security from day one isn’t just about protection —it’s a cost-effective investment that prevents technical debt, safeguards customer trust, and accelerates long-term scalability. Proactive risk management equals higher trust with enterprise clients and investors.
The Cyber for Startups program is offered at no cost, thanks to generous funding from RBC.
The Details
Cohort: October–December 2025
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
In this program, you will:
Who we’re looking for
Growth-oriented Canadian technology startups that are:
- Solving real-world, high-impact problems
- Positioned to scale within regulated industries
- Looking to build a security roadmap that integrates with a go-to-market strategy
- Demonstrating traction with enterprise customers, either actively selling or preparing to sell into regulated markets
Week 1 – Oct. 23, 12pm-2pm ET: Intro to Cyber for Startups: What is cyber and why should you care?
Week 2 – Oct. 30, 12pm-2pm ET: Getting started on your security roadmap: Compliance & Secure by Design
Week 3 – Nov. 6, 12pm-2pm ET: Deep Dive into Cybersecurity: Steps to Regulatory Compliance
Week 4 – Nov. 13, 12pm-2pm ET: Privacy Compliance as Business Opportunity
Week 5 – Nov. 20, 12pm-2pm ET: Privacy Compliance as Business Opportunity
Week 6 – Nov. 27, 12pm-2pm ET: Operationalizing your action plan – next steps
- Each week covers sections of the Cyber for Startups Toolkit, helping you build the modular pieces of your strategy.
- 1:1 mentor hours can be spread throughout the program, allowing you to access guidance when you need it most.
- Earn a badge at the end of the program to share with your networks and signal your cyber aptitude.
Cyber for Startups is both educational and advisory, equipping founders with the foundational and strategic cybersecurity knowledge needed to grow securely and credibly. Program benefits include:
- Templates for immediate implementation: A Cyber for Startups security roadmap toolkit sits at the core of this program, giving participants the templates and tools to actually get started on implementation.
- Customer readiness roadmap: This program helps startups strategize and communicate short, medium, and long term privacy and security plans to build trust with enterprise clients and investors.
- Security by Design: Participants will learn how to embed cybersecurity and relevant compliance frameworks into products, processes, and ethos.
- Guided mentorship: Leading business and cyber experts will mentor participants to create and test their own strategies, leaving startups with their own customized framework at the end of the program.
- Un-Siloed Innovation: Integration of cyber and IP into a go-to-market strategy encourages a holistic and proactive approach to business strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply to Cyber for Startups?
This program is designed for growth-oriented Canadian technology startups that:
- Are solving real-world, high-impact problems
- Operate or plan to operate in regulated industries
- Are actively selling, or preparing to sell, to enterprise or public sector customers
- Want to integrate cybersecurity into their product, operations, and go-to-market strategy
Startups applying should demonstrate traction and a clear path to scale.
How is the program delivered?
Cyber for Startups is delivered virtually through six interactive online sessions.
What does the Cyber for Startups program include?
Participants will receive access to practical templates, structured assessments, and one-on-one mentor coaching to help apply cybersecurity best practices directly to their business model.
Is prior cybersecurity experience required?
No prior formal cybersecurity training is required. This program is designed for leadership teams who are committed to embedding cybersecurity into their strategy and operations.
Technical founders, product leaders, and executives responsible for compliance, risk, or growth will benefit most.
What makes this program different from other cybersecurity training?
Cyber for Startups is tailored specifically to early- and mid-stage technology companies. Unlike general cybersecurity training, this program focuses on integrating cybersecurity into:
- Product development
- Regulatory readiness
- Enterprise procurement processes
- Investor due diligence
- Long-term scaling strategies
It connects cybersecurity directly to growth, resilience, and competitive advantage within the Canadian innovation ecosystem.
What outcomes can startups expect?
By the end of the program, startups will:
- Understand their current cybersecurity maturity
- Identify priority risks and regulatory considerations
- Build security milestones into product and growth strategies
- Strengthen credibility with enterprise clients and investors
- Be better prepared for procurement and due diligence processes
How much does the Cyber for Startups program cost?
Cyber for Startups is fully funded and offered at no cost to participating startups. Thanks to the generous support of RBC, there are no tuition fees or participation costs.