This text is part of the special section Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Last October, the Gatineau incubator-accelerator Cilex selected six start-up innovative companies to participate in Quebec’s first acceleration program in cybersecurity, and the first cohort was launched this year. This networking program seems to demonstrate Quebec’s desire to position itself on the international scene as a player in innovation in cybersecurity. Such a program is indeed a win-win for large companies and start-ups, but also for the innovation ecosystem and its economic spinoffs.
With the creation of the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs in January 2022, Quebec seems to understand the importance of cybersecurity and wants to invest in this area. The support given to innovation programs is proof of this; Quebec wishes to position itself as a player in cybersecurity on the international scene. “We already have expertise recognized throughout the world in artificial intelligence,” explains Alan Bernardi, senior expert in innovation and strategies at Cilex. We should now become a cybersecurity service provider in order to bring in funding, stimulate the economy and advance innovation, he says. David Lehrer, president and CEO of Conatix du Nord, one of the six start-ups selected for the program, shares this opinion. According to him, Quebec can become a precursor in cybersecurity thanks to its expertise in AI.
There is still a way to go when it comes to cybersecurity, but “government policies are working to create a hub in cybersecurity in Quebec,” says Charles Lesieur, co-founder of Verif AI, one of the young participating companies. Unfortunately, the process of obtaining subsidies still remains very selective and laborious from an administrative point of view for participating companies, confides Manuel Patry, project manager at Cilex.
The advantages of networking in cybersecurity
The cybersecurity networking program appears to benefit both emerging and established businesses, but also the local economic ecosystem. The aim of networking is to create opportunities for meetings and collaborations, especially “on an international scene which is not easy to penetrate”, reveals Alan Bernardi. You must be able to prove that the proposed new solution works against well-established players. This is why networking is interesting, it allows you to prove that the product meets needs, continues the expert in innovation and strategies.
According to Manuel Patry, the advantage of networking is to create opportunities to link large companies and start-up. For “start-up companies, the challenge is to find your market, customers, to market yourself,” he adds. The program helps accelerate the growth of start-up. The established company, in turn, benefits from a platform to improve its services and cybersecurity, allowing it to be more innovative and competitive. Additionally, by outsourcing innovation, these companies also outsource risks, which is beneficial.
For participating young companies, this program allows them to collaborate, form an ecosystem, create links and have access to a network of experts, as Charles Lesieur indicates. “What we hope at the end of the program is to obtain a contract with one of the companies subsidizing Cilex,” confides David Lehrer.
Emerging businesses and established businesses aren’t the only ones who benefit from networking programs like this. It is the entire Quebec innovation ecosystem that can potentially benefit from its economic benefits, since an accelerator such as Cilex has the power to encourage individuals to undertake business.
Everyone’s business
Companies tend to underestimate cybersecurity, because “it is not a source of profit, but a way of avoiding losses,” explains the CEO of Conatix du Nord. Cybersecurity also represents “lives and costs”. Depending on the nature of the company attacked, “the cost is not only financial, it can also be existential,” he continues.
When it comes to cybersecurity, AI increases the risks, as we have recently seen a democratization of cyberattack. The launch of ChatGPT influenced the field of cybersecurity, making computer code accessible. Just as franchises have made it easier to access cybersecurity knowledge, explains Alan Bernardi. More and more people are able to act maliciously, because the tools are easier to use and more numerous, also confirms the Cilex project manager.
Experts agree that it is important to educate individuals and businesses about cybersecurity issues. The CEO of Conatix du Nord is, however, optimistic and believes that the possibilities offered by AI outweigh the threats.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.