Ontario Tech University has received a transformative philanthropic gift to advance cybersecurity research and education, supporting efforts that benefit both businesses and the broader community. The donation, from a longtime Ontario Tech supporter and resident of Durham Region, brings their total lifetime contributions to the university to more than $1 million.

The latest investment will enhance the work of Ontario Tech’s Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems (ICRS), a collaborative research institute led by the Faculty of Business and Information Technology. The funding will support new ICRS initiatives focused on strategic cybersecurity for business, helping organizations address cybersecurity challenges through technological innovation as well as legal, ethical and social frameworks.

With this support, Ontario Tech will further expand its capacity to lead in cybersecurity through advanced research, practical tools and training for small businesses, and community-focused learning opportunities. It will also enrich student learning through scholarships, hands-on research experiences and the integration of real-world cybersecurity case studies into academic programs as part of the university’s new Cybersecurity for Business specialization within the Bachelor of Commerce program, available to all students who choose to build competencies in this key area.

Through the ICRS, FBIT researchers are developing advanced cybersecurity solutions that improve business policies and system reliability, and enhance data protection. By applying artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the ICRS works to detect and prevent threats before they occur. Its collaborative research environment offers students meaningful competency-based learning experiences, contributing to a strong talent pool of skilled professionals for Canada’s cybersecurity and IT sectors.

As reliance on digital technologies continues to grow, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. Through its Tech with a Conscience campaign, Ontario Tech remains committed to advancing research, education and outreach that help individuals and organizations navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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“This contribution is an investment in the digital safety and resilience of our entire community. Thanks to this generous support, we can expand our efforts to protect vulnerable sectors and create real-world solutions that are accessible, inclusive and effective.”
-Dr. Carolyn McGregor AM, Dean, Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Ontario Tech University