Canada-Ukraine collaboration (CUSIC) seeks tech solutions to national-security challenges

The Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge (CUSIC) have announced a Call for Solutions that invites Canadian and Ukrainian tech companies to submit innovative proposals to address a range of national-security challenges, from cybersecurity to secure communications between partner nations.

This important and timely project invites innovators from both countries to participate in a bilateral competition that will bring together tech entrepreneurs to present innovative solutions that will strengthen Canada and Ukraine’s technological expertise, with the goal of commercialisation through piloting and procurement opportunities.

Established earlier this year, CUSIC is a collaboration between Ukrainian Startup Fund, Ontario Centre of Innovation and Communitech.

“Collaboration is the catalyst for innovation. Through the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge we are creating enduring global partnerships and forging a path for game-changing solutions to national security challenges,” said Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO at the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

Qualified companies will have the opportunity to pitch to Canadian and Ukrainian national-security stakeholders and will be selected for market-exploration discussions with key national security stakeholders.

“Communitech is proud to help foster the development and commercialisation of leading-edge technology through the Canada-Ukraine Security Innovation Challenge. This initiative supports founders from both countries and is another example of our commitment to harness the power of collaboration to advance Tech for Good,” added Joel Semeniuk, Chief Strategy Officer, Communitech.

Two sets of challenges have been developed: one each by Canadian and Ukrainian stakeholders. A description of all the challenges can be found here.

Timeline

Proposed solutions can be submitted from Aug. 21 to Sept. 11.
A panel of adjudicators, including national-security experts, will review the submissions.
Companies chosen to proceed will be notified between Sept. 27 and Oct. 6, and will receive coaching and guidance leading up to a Solutions Showcase. (Applicants not selected will be given feedback).
The chosen companies will present their tech solutions to an audience of subject-matter experts, national-security partners and potential investors at a Solutions Showcase event scheduled for Nov. 9, 2023.

For more information, please visit www.cusic.ca.