Canadian Cybersecurity R&D Partnering Delegation to the Netherlands

Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands in The Hague, invites you to apply to participate in the Canadian Cybersecurity R&D Partnering Delegation to the Netherlands under the Innovation Partnership Program (IPP).

The activity will take place in person from March 8 to March 12 in The Hague and other cities. 

Interested companies must apply no later than Sunday, December 6, 2026.  

Connect in person with Dutch organizations to develop innovation partnerships in cybersecurity technologies for defence, and security and critical-infrastructure applications.  

This delegation offers a unique opportunity to:  

• explore collaborative R&D projects with Dutch partners that have strong commercialization potential in cybersecurity for defence and dual-use applications.
  
• gain market intelligence on Dutch and European R&D opportunities and funding programs, including Eurostars and Horizon Europe
  
• build relationships with Dutch industry, research organizations and stakeholders, and position Canada as a trusted cybersecurity partner.

We are seeking innovative cybersecurity technologies with defence, dual-use and critical-infrastructure applications, including but not limited to expertise in:

• critical infrastructure protection; cloud and network security; endpoint security; zero-trust architecture. 
  
• data security; threat intelligence and monitoring; behavioural authentication. 
  
• AI for cybersecurity; encryption and cryptography; industrial control systems; mobile security

Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that:  

• are profit-oriented and incorporated in Canada, with up to 500 full-time employees 
  
• have previous experience in or working towards commercializing technology for international markets 
  
• have interest to adapt, validate, and/or co-develop technology with Dutch partners 
  
• be committed to expanding activities in the Netherlands and the broader European market 
  
• own or co-own the intellectual property (IP) of the technology that will be commercialized 
  
• have sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results  

Priority will be given to companies developing solutions for defence and dual-use applications that demonstrate established commercial traction and the capacity to sustain an international R&D partnership (e.g., existing revenue and international sales, defence or government customers, a dedicated R&D team).

This in-person program is designed to create real opportunities for co-innovation and collaboration between Canadian and Dutch partners. 

The in-market program is planned for March 8 to 12, 2027. Preparatory webinars and virtual briefings will support participating companies before travel. 

What’s included:  

• market briefing and orientation, including the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem, market considerations, and R&D funding programs 
• site visits and targeted engagements with Dutch cybersecurity, defence and security ecosystem partners  
• pitch sessions and tailored business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Dutch companies, research organizations and other potential R&D partners 
• networking opportunities with Dutch industry, academia, government and international organizations and stakeholders 

• The Netherlands is a key research, development and innovation partner for Canada and an important gateway for Canadian organizations seeking to expand their R&D footprint in Europe. 
  
• The Netherlands combines a strong cybersecurity ecosystem and top-rated digital infrastructure with a national strategy focused on cyber resilience, secure and innovative products, countering cyber threats and strengthening cybersecurity expertise.  

The Dutch Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2028 is well aligned with Canada’s cybersecurity priorities, creating opportunities for joint R&D and commercialization, including for SMEs adapting to EU requirements such as Network and Information Security, NIS2.

The Innovation Partnership Program (IPP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses that include but are not limited to: 

• economy class airfare 
  
• accommodations 
  
• meals (per diems) 
  
• local transportation 
  
• translation and marketing material 
  
• conference and tradeshow fees 
  
• photocopies or printed material  

Consult the Innovation Partnership Program (IPP) Applicant Guide for the complete list of eligible expenses. To access the IPP Applicant Guide, contact an IPP representative at IPP-PPI@international.gc.ca. 

1. Click the “Apply” button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to then complete all questions. 
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than December 6, 2026. 
3. Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands in The Hague, the Netherlands, will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Successful applicants will be notified by December 15, 2026. 
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses. 

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please see the IPP web page or email the IPP team at IPP-PPI@international.gc.ca.