Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst expands real-world cybersecurity training across Canada with the support of Google.org

Cyber Clinics Canada

Google.org

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University

$3.5 million in support from Google.org will help build a national network, giving cybersecurity learners real-world experience while expanding cyber support for Canadian organizations.

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University ("the Catalyst") announced today the launch of Cyber Clinics Canada, a major national initiative to expand the cyber clinic model across the country. Backed by $3.5 CAD million in funding from Google.org, including $1 million for the Catalyst, the initiative will bring Canadian postsecondary institutions together to give learners hands-on cybersecurity experience while providing more community organizations with access to critical cybersecurity support.

Cyber clinics are hands-on learning programs that pair cybersecurity learners with nonprofit and social impact organizations that need cybersecurity support. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals, learners gain meaningful, practical experience while organizations receive free cybersecurity support they may not otherwise be able to afford.

In 2025, the Catalyst launched its own cyber clinic. With support from Google.org, Cyber Clinics Canada will build on that foundation to expand the model nationwide. As the network's central hub, the Catalyst will bring participating institutions together and provide shared tools, resources, and support to help them launch and operate high-quality clinics in their own communities.

"Think of it as a teaching hospital for the digital age. Much like teaching hospitals give future healthcare professionals practical experience while serving patients, cyber clinics give learners the opportunity to tackle current cybersecurity challenges under expert supervision, while providing smaller organizations with support they may not otherwise be able to afford," said Charles Finlay, the Catalyst's Founding Executive Director. "Canada needs more cybersecurity graduates who can hit the ground running. This model helps us build that talent while making cybersecurity expertise more accessible to the organizations that need it."

Cyber clinics are already gaining momentum worldwide, with 61 cyber clinics across eight countries. Cyber Clinics Canada will build on that momentum by creating a connected national network where institutions can share expertise, collaborate, and strengthen their programs. The initiative will also equip institutions with the tools and knowledge to launch their own cyber clinics, creating more opportunities for learners to gain real-world experience and build Canada's cybersecurity workforce.

"Building a strong, diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce is more important than ever," said Sabrina Geremia, vice-president and country manager, Google Canada. "Cyber clinics are a proven, scalable model and expanding this program across Canada will meaningfully improve access to cyber education while delivering critical support to vulnerable organizations that serve Canadians."

"Protecting Ontario means building a robust cybersecurity workforce, trained right at Ontario's world-class postsecondary institutions," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for the Government of Ontario. "Thanks to support from Google, Cyber Clinics Canada will ensure that postsecondary institutes all across the nation can deliver coordinated,  hands-on cybersecurity education that will protect our data for decades to come."

To learn more about Cyber Clinics Canada and how your institution can participate, visit cyberclinics.ca.

About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University's national centre for technology safety and security. Since its founding in 2018, the Catalyst has built a global reputation for developing the people, ideas, and solutions needed to address complex and emerging technology security challenges. Headquartered in Brampton, the Catalyst works with governments, industry, academic institutions, and partners, delivering programs and initiatives nationally and internationally. Learn more at cybersecurecatalyst.ca.

About Google.org

Google.org applies Google's innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone. Learn more at www.google.org.

SOURCE Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University

Media contact:  Claire van Nierop, Senior Manager, Communications, [email protected]