WIREDGOV

Security experts are calling on cutting-edge tech entrepreneurs to help develop the next generation of cyber security solutions.

• NCSC calls for applications for the fourth Cyber Accelerator
• Initiative helps start-ups outpace current and emerging online threats
• Previous applicants have received in excess of £20million in funding

Since its launch in 2017, the ‘NCSC Cyber Accelerator’, funded by the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has actively mentored and supported the growth of technology start-ups, with previous participants having received in excess of £20million in funding.

The NCSC is looking for hopeful start-ups with a focus on enhancing security, techniques for anticipating the early stages of a cyber attack, enabling action to be taken on real-time threats, vulnerability information and more.

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Skills and Growth, yesterday said:

“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.

“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.”

The Accelerator has already seen 16 start-ups graduate from the programme which runs for nine months and includes a robust acceleration package including, exclusive access to experts from the NCSC and GCHQ, a £25,000 grant, access to Wayra’s investor network and potential pathway to security experts from Telefónica brands such as O2.

Gary Stewart, Director of Wayra UK, yesterday said:

“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.

“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.”

The Accelerator is an important element of the Cheltenham Innovation Centre and a key commitment in the Government’s five-year £1.9 billion National Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to defend the UK in cyberspace, deter our adversaries and develop skills and capabilities.

Applications for the fourth cohort are open until 23:59 on Sunday 28th April 2019.

Notes to editors

• More information on the Cyber Accelerator and how to apply can be found here: https://www.wayra.co.uk/programs/ncsc-cyber-accelerator 
• The UK Government is fully committed to defending against cyber threats and addressing the cyber skills gap to develop and grow talent. The NCSC was created as part of the five-year National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) announced in 2016, supported by £1.9billion of transformational investment. 
• The NCSC provides a single, central body for cyber security at a national level and is the UK’s national technical authority on cyber. It manages national cyber security incidents, carries out real-time threat analysis and provides tailored sectoral advice.
• GCHQ is the parent body for the NCSC, meaning that it can draw on the organisation’s world-class skills and sensitive capabilities.