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 foundational cybersecurity knowledge needed to embed security by design into their products and operations from day one. Delivered in partnership with four innovation hubs across Canada, the program includes six interactive online sessions and mentor office hours to help companies assess their current cybersecurity posture and develop a tailored roadmap toward 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. By managing risk proactively, startups can foster 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 2025 – January 2026
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
In this program, you will:
Who we’re looking for
High-quality Canadian technology startups in Fintech, Cleantech, or Healthtech that are:
- Solving real-world, high-impact problems
- Positioned to scale within regulated industries
- Generating revenue in the past 12 months
- Demonstrating traction with enterprise customers, either actively selling or preparing to sell into regulated markets
Cyber for Startups is both educational and advisory, equipping founders with the foundational and strategic cybersecurity knowledge needed to grow securely and credibly. Through six interactive sessions and mentor office hours, startups will gain:
- Security by Design: Learn how to embed cybersecurity from day one across products and operations.
- Compliance Readiness: Understand key regulatory standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR to prepare for enterprise clients and audits.
- Customer and Investor Trust: Develop security practices that demonstrate credibility and resilience to buyers and investors.
- Privacy and Risk Awareness: Build effective data privacy policies and understand core cybersecurity risks and responsibilities.
- National Support & Inclusion: Access a Canada-wide network of innovation hubs committed to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem and supporting underrepresented founders.
- Accelerate enterprise readiness and meet buyer security expectations
- Build trust with customers and investors through clear security messaging
- Navigate compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001)
- Strengthen product security with Security by Design principles
- Create data inventories and draft privacy policies
- Conduct self-assessments and build a realistic cybersecurity roadmap
- Access expert guidance through mentor office hours
