NCSC seeks applications for Startups initiative

Pioneering tech startups will have the chance to join the UK’s cyber security experts in their mission to keep the country safe online thanks to a new initiative.

The National Cyber Security Centre used the Cheltenham Science Festival to formally open applications for NCSC for Startups, an initiative where tech companies can apply to help develop products to defend critical areas of our economy and society. NCSC for Startups succeeds the NCSC Cyber Accelerator programme which helped more than 40 tech companies raise in excess of £100 million in external investments.

Innovators which are accepted onto the programme, from early-stage startups to established scaleups, will develop and pilot technology to protect the country from malicious activity, including phishing and ransomware attacks.

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “We want to work with the UK’s thriving cyber security industry to explore new ideas that will make the UK the safest place to live and work online. NCSC for Startups offers the potential for even greater collaboration than ever before, and I would encourage startups to come forward and help us in our mission.”

NCSC for Startups is a collaboration between the NCSC and Plexal, the innovation centre. The programme will be supported by, CyNam, which brings Cheltenham’s cyber community together and  Cheltenham-based coworking space Hub8.

Saj Huq, Director of Innovation at Plexal, said: “Being at the cutting edge of cyber security is critical for solving the constantly evolving challenges and enabling the many technology-driven opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and digital world creates.

“NCSC for Startups is a unique opportunity for innovative startups to explore new concepts and collaborate with the UK government, Plexal and a broad spectrum of industry and academic partners to develop, iterate and pilot solutions that the UK needs the most.”