The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the largest and fastest-growing cybersecurity markets in the world, offering compelling opportunities for Canadian companies to scale internationally.
London Cybersecurity Canadian Technology Accelerator
Opportunities for Canadian companies
The size of the UK market and institutional depth provide unmatched commercial opportunities. Proximity to major end-users, regulators, and R&D centers creates an environment where Cybersecurity companies can rapidly test, validate, and scale solutions.
- Market size and growth: The UK cybersecurity sector generates £13.2 billion in annual revenue, with double‑digit year-on-year growth, reflecting strong and sustained demand across industries
- Employment and ecosystem depth: The sector employs over 67,000 professionals across more than 2,000 firms, forming a highly developed and innovative ecosystem.
- Venture capital and investment: Cybersecurity firms in the UK raised approximately £206 million across 59 deals in 2024, with continued government investment and policy support expected to drive further growth in 2025 and beyond.
- Regulatory and policy leadership: The UK benefits from a robust regulatory framework anchored by institutions such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and a proactive national cyber strategy. This positions cybersecurity as a priority sector within the UK Industrial Strategy.
- Scaling and market access opportunities: Organizations across financial services, government, and critical infrastructure are increasing investment in cyber resilience. As a result, demand for innovative cybersecurity solutions continues to grow, creating strong opportunities for international firms.
- Gateway to global markets: London offers direct access to European and global customers, investors, and partners, making it an ideal launchpad for Canadian cybersecurity companies seeking international growth.
Important dates
| Application deadline | Program dates | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT | October 1 to December 11, 2026 | About 4 hours per week |
Information webinar
Learn more about the program, the cybersecurity market, and the application process during our upcoming information webinar on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET.
Benefits of joining
CTA is a non-equity programme providing:
- tailored mentorship from UK cybersecurity experts
- market intelligence and go-to-market strategy refinement
- introductions to potential customers, partners, and investors
- access to the Trade Commissioner Service’s global network
- participation in curated masterclasses and workshops
- high-value business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking opportunities in London
Who should apply
We are seeking high-potential Canadian cybersecurity startups and scale-ups with:
- validated, differentiated technology
- a defined UK or international market-entry strategy
- identified potential partners or clients
- experienced and committed leadership teams
- ambition to scale in the UK and European market
Your company must have:
- a fully built and validated product with a differentiated technology
- recurring revenues and/or $1 million raised
- a passionate, strong and committed management team who can commit to participate in the entire program
- specific goals, clear objectives and a strategy for entering the UK market
The Trade Commissioner Service supports equity, diversity and inclusion in trade. We strongly encourage applications from companies led by Canadians of all backgrounds.
How the program works
This hybrid program offers a mix of virtual and in-person in-market components in London, including:
- orientation sessions
- tailored mentoring sessions
- strategic networking events
- tailored business development support
- market briefings, mentor matchmaking and mentorship sessions
- roundtables with relevant stakeholders tailored to your company’s needs and goals
- curated B2B introductions with relevant stakeholders
Testimonials
“The CTA has done a marvelous job in terms of compiling key stakeholders for each of the participating companies. I believe no one has been left behind and all have been able to have a better understanding of the market, have a first business or partner introduction, and find compelling resources to assist their expansion. I can only recommend the CTA program for any high growth start-up. Thank you very much for this wonderful organization.”
“I think the CTA UK is the perfect landing pad for any Tech company to launch in the market. It generated insights and results beyond my initial expectations. The UK Canadian delegation were great hosts, and I am looking forward to leveraging our new connections and acquired knowledge to fully embrace the opportunity that the UK market represents. I want to thank everyone involved for a memorable experience that will stay with me for the rest of my days. I am truly lucky to have been a part of this, and I wish it on anyone with the same aspirations. That said, I can't hardly wait to be back and meet with everyone.”
Contact us
Claudio Ramirez
Trade Commissioner
claudio.ramirez@international.gc.ca