Federal Program Fast-Tracks Canadian Cybersecurity and AI Firms into the U.S.
A new federal initiative is opening a clear path for Canadian technology companies to win business in the United States. The Cybersecurity and Enterprise AI Canadian Technology Accelerator-run by the Consulate of Canada in Palo Alto-is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. The deadline is January 14, 2026.
For government teams, this is a practical lever for export growth, private investment attraction, and stronger cybersecurity capabilities in both markets. The focus is narrow and high-impact: revenue-generating firms in cybersecurity and enterprise AI with solutions ready for U.S. buyers.
What the accelerator offers
The program is non-equity and free of fees. Selected companies get hands-on mentorship, expert workshops on U.S. go-to-market and enterprise sales, plus curated meetings with venture capital firms and corporate buyers.
Participants also plug into RSA Conference 2026-one of the industry's most valuable weeks for meetings and deal flow. Learn more about the event at RSA Conference.
Who should apply
Established Canadian companies with validated, market-ready cybersecurity or enterprise AI solutions. Teams should have clear U.S. expansion goals and the leadership capacity to run a focused push into the market.
Why this matters to public sector teams
- Export outcomes: A direct route for Canadian firms to secure U.S. pilots, partnerships, and sales.
- Investment leverage: Warm introductions to investors can speed follow-on funding without giving up equity.
- Cyber readiness: Expanding credible Canadian vendors strengthens cross-border security ecosystems.
- Procurement signal: Companies sharpen enterprise sales motion and security posture-useful for public-sector vendor pools.
Key information
- Application deadline: January 14, 2026. The program runs in the first half of 2026, so submit early.
- Cost to participants: No equity taken and no program fees. Companies cover their own travel and lodging in Silicon Valley.
- Target companies: Canadian firms with validated cybersecurity or enterprise AI solutions. Ideal candidates have revenue and a committed team ready to engage the U.S. market.
- Main advantage: Direct access to Silicon Valley's network-warm introductions to investors, enterprise clients, and partners to speed sales cycles.
- In-person requirement: Yes. A minimum three-day market visit is required, including participation in RSA Conference.
Practical steps for departments and agencies
- Share the call with your portfolio companies, incubators, and regional innovation partners-especially those already selling into enterprises.
- Encourage firms to gather proof points: U.S. buyer references, SOC 2 or equivalent security documentation, and enterprise deployment case studies.
- Coordinate with your trade and investment teams to line up warm introductions that complement the accelerator's meetings.
- Plan presence around RSA Conference 2026 to support Canadian delegations and amplify announcements.
- Track outcomes (pilots, contracts, capital raised) to report tangible export and job metrics.
Readiness checklist for companies you support
- Revenue and traction: paying customers, active pilots, clear ICPs, and pricing for U.S. enterprise deals.
- Security and compliance: documented controls (e.g., SOC 2 progress), data handling, and procurement-ready InfoSec responses.
- Sales assets: U.S.-specific pitch, case studies, ROI calculator, and buyer-aligned onboarding plans.
- Team and travel: leadership available for a 3+ day visit, budget for travel and accommodations, and meeting availability during RSA week.
Bottom line
This is a high-signal, low-friction way for qualified Canadian cybersecurity and enterprise AI companies to break into the U.S. market without giving up equity. Government teams can multiply the impact by seeding strong applicants, coordinating intros, and showing up during RSA week.
If your team is also building AI literacy for vendor evaluation or policy work, explore role-based learning paths at Complete AI Training.
Your membership also unlocks:
