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In today's digital age, cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated, and traditional authentication tools like passwords and smartcards are no longer enough. For high-security environments like national defense, the stakes are even higher. Zighra, a Canadian cybersecurity company, recognized this gap and created SilentEdge, an AI-driven behavioral biometric platform that continuously authenticates users based on how they interact with their devices.
SilentEdge uses sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and touch screens to analyze subtle micro-movements unique to each user. "Think about it like recognizing your tennis swing and that unique muscle memory that's very natural for you," explains Deepak Dutt, President, Co-founder, and Head of R&D at Zighra. By working entirely on-device, the platform also preserves user privacy and avoids sending sensitive data to external servers.
From fintech roots to federal innovation
Originally focused on the fintech sector, Zighra discovered the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international markets were disrupted. The company saw a new opportunity to apply its patented behavioral biometric technology to address critical needs within the Canadian government. "Within a few months, we were able to get into a testing agreement, start testing, and receive valuable feedback. The testing stream essentially fast-tracked our sales process," says Deepak.
Real-world pilots with the navy and coast guard
With $616,710 in funding from ISC's Testing Stream, Zighra partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy to integrate and test SilentEdge in real operational settings. The goal? Replace outdated physical smartcards with a secure, smartphone-based access solution. "We had an application on the smartphone or mobile device, and we used that to unlock laptops, doors, or mobile applications—no passwords," Deepak explains.
The success of this hands-on pilot not only validated the SilentEdge solution, but also helped surface broader use cases for Zighra's AI capabilities. Insights from this work informed the development of GenesysInsights, an innovation focused on detecting global navigation satellite systems interference and anomalous behaviour in complex operational environments such as ports through multi-sensor analytics. Learnings from these engagements also contributed to Zighra's ongoing IP development.
The power of procurement as a growth engine
Zighra's success with ISC went beyond testing. The company later secured additional contracts and follow-on sales worth more than $6M with federal departments, including the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. These achievements underscore the government's strong interest in adopting Zighra's AI-driven security and situational awareness technologies, delivered through innovations such as SilentEdge and GenesysInsights.
"The support from ISC has been tremendous," says Deepak. "The procurement vehicles are an eye-opener for many potential customers because they simplify the overall process."
This streamlined procurement process was key to accelerating Zighra's growth. Traditional government sales cycles often take years, but ISC helped compress that timeline. As a result, Zighra was able to attract top AI talent and retain skilled professionals who may otherwise leave Canada for opportunities.
Looking ahead: From national defense to global impact
Zighra's journey through ISC demonstrates how small Canadian companies can thrive through strategic government collaboration. With multiple new patents filed and contracts completed with the federal government, the company is setting its sights on new markets, including the U.S. Department of Defense and allied government partners.
Zighra's story is a testament to how innovative procurement programs like ISC can turn cutting-edge IP into operational solutions, boosting national security, supporting Canadian IP retention, and opening the door to international growth. SilentEdge and GenesysInsights are available for procurement through ISC's Pathway to Commercialization (PTC).