Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and the DMZ launch Canada’s First Cybersecurity Accelerator
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, a leading national centre for cybersecurity activities at Toronto Metropolitan University, and DMZ, Canada’s leading technology accelerator, are launching the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator, to help Canadian cyber scale-ups grow and succeed
BRAMPTON, January 23, 2020 – Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, in partnership with the DMZ, is pleased to announce the launch of the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator, Canada’s first commercial accelerator specifically designed for scale-up companies in cybersecurity and related fields.
Headquartered in Brampton’s Innovation District, the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator will help Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem by providing Canadian scale-up companies in cybersecurity and related fields the essential tools they need to grow and succeed nationally and internationally.
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is supported by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and Rogers Communications Inc., in partnership with the City of Brampton. Rogers, Royal Bank of Canada, Herjavec Group, Torys LLP, Amazon and Siemens Canada will join a “Corporates-in-Residence” program and provide guidance and mentorship to companies at the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator. Other major companies are expected to join the program in the coming weeks.
Scale-ups in the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator will benefit from DMZ’s internationally-recognized accelerator programming, including mentoring on product strategy, marketing, talent acquisition, investment attraction, growing sales and more. They will make connections with DMZ’s network of 300+ investors and have free desk space usage. The scale-ups will also have access to over $500,000 worth of exclusive business services and perks provided by over 60 globally recognized businesses.
The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator is now accepting applications to its first cohort, which will begin programming in May. Applications will close on March 25, 2020. Over the next two months, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and DMZ will embark on a national recruitment roadshow, hosting info sessions for cyber-related scale-up companies in cities across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
For more information on eligibility requirements and to apply, visit dmz.to/catalyst.
“Our government is here to support workers and Canadian businesses. With funding through FedDev Ontario, the new Catalyst Cyber Accelerator will provide Canadian cybersecurity scale ups with the skills and resources needed to grow and compete, while contributing to increased safety in the digital economy. Congratulations to Toronto Metropolitan University and all partners on the launch of this important programming.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“Strong cybersecurity capabilities are critical to Canada’s digital economy. We are proud to partner with Ryerson to help Canadian companies scale and bring cybersecurity solutions to market that help tackle the challenges and opportunities of the connected world.” – Alexander Brock, Senior Vice President, Technology Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships, Rogers Communications
“We are thrilled to launch Canada’s first Cybersecurity Accelerator in Brampton. It is a great fit with our Innovation District in our downtown core and with our growing cluster of Cyber Security related firms. This addition moves us one step closer to growing Brampton as a centre of excellence in Cybersecurity.” – Hon. Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
“Toronto Metropolitan University is proud to announce this unique new accelerator as we continue to lead in the development of entrepreneurship in the cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Steven N. Liss, Ryerson’s vice-president, research and innovation. “Through our commitment to collaboration, training and research in this sector, Ryerson supports the success of Canadian cybersecurity scale-ups as they transform the digital space, making an impact not only here in Canada but around the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be launching the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator, in partnership with DMZ, one of the world’s most successful accelerators,” said Charles Finlay, Executive Director of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. “The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator will be a key hub for Canada’s scale-up cybersecurity entrepreneurs, helping them innovate and compete nationally and internationally. Cybersecurity impacts us all and we are excited to participate in building Canada’s Cybersecurity sector as one of the strongest in the world.”
“In 2020, cybersecurity will be more prominent than ever to protect our privacy, rights and freedoms, which is why we’ve partnered with Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to create a scaleup program that will propel cybersecurity innovation in Canada,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director, DMZ. “The Catalyst Cyber Accelerator will make a concentrated effort to successfully grow businesses tackling diverse issues in the industry and will work to elevate the narrative around our national cybersecurity ecosystem.”
“Herjavec Group is thrilled to partner with the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to prioritize the development of Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem. We pride ourselves on bringing new cyber tools and services to market for enterprises so this is an incredible way to be on the front lines of accelerating cyber business growth & adoption nationally. Hundreds of Herjavec Group employees in Canada have unique views on what it takes to build a thriving technology business from scratch so we are excited to share our expertise with promising Canadian security start ups.” – Ira Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer, Herjavec Group
About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is a not-for-profit corporation owned by Toronto Metropolitan University, supported by partnerships with the private and public sectors, and committed to relentless collaboration in building the Canadian cybersecurity innovation ecosystem. In partnership with the DMZ at the Catalyst will establish a first-in-Canada technology accelerator program solely committed to supporting Canadian cybersecurity scale-ups.
About DMZ: The DMZ is a leading tech accelerator headquartered in Toronto, Ontario that helps high-potential startups grow and scale to world-class businesses. Also supporting ideation and validation stage startups, the DMZ’s incubator program has been ranked number one in the world by UBI Global. Since 2010, the DMZ has helped 445 startups raise over $741 million and foster more than 3,983 jobs.
