The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched its latest annual search for the hottest cybersecurity start-ups in the country.
The NCSC Cyber Accelerator is a government-funded initiative that claims to have doled out £20m in investment since its launch in 2017, offering up the expertise of NCSC and its parent organization GCHQ to help nurture talent.
It’s ultimately hoped that these star companies will go on to build products and services that not only enrich the UK economy but also make the country the safest place in which to live and work online.
“This call will allow us to cast the widest net possible for attracting start-ups developing technologies that will better protect us now and in the future,” said NCSC deputy director for skills and growth, Chris Ensor.
“We’ve worked with 23 companies over the past few years, offering them unique technical insights that have helped them grow their ideas and business.”
Some 16 of these firms have graduated from the nine-month program. As well as exclusive access to NCSC and GCHQ, it offers a £25,000 grant and access to the investor network of Telefonica start-up accelerator Wayra, which is co-hosting the program.
“The NCSC Cyber Accelerator, powered by Wayra UK, is representative of how Britain’s intelligence, cyber and security services, have evolved to counter emerging threats by supporting businesses on the frontiers of new tech innovation,” argued Wayra UK director, Gary Stewart.
“We’re proud to be a leading partner in identifying and nurturing the fourth cohort of start-ups that will help keep Britain safe for the next 100 years.”
Interested companies have until 23:59 on April 28 2019 to apply.