Partnership with Wayra UK provides early step in National Cyber Security Programme
Start-up support company Wayra UK has been signed up by the Government to deliver the first stage of the national accelerator programme for cyber security technologies.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and GCHQ have formed a partnership with the company, which is part of Telefónica Open Future, as a first step in developing two innovation centres as part of the National Cyber Security Programme.
It is designed to give start-ups access to GCHQ’s personnel and expertise in developing products to deal with cyber threats, with the DCMS providing £50 million over the next five years for the development of the centres.
Wayra UK will provide grants and physical space to start-ups, which will also receive fast track product assessment and the opportunity to pitch products to government departments.
The accelerator will be based at a new Cheltenham Innovation Centre and is due to open around the turn of the year. A second centre is scheduled to open in London next year.
Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock said: “We are making progress in our ambitious programme to support innovation in cyber security, grow the UK’s thriving sector and protect Britain from cyber attacks and threats.
“Our two new cyber innovation centres will bring together government, academic and business expertise, and will be invaluable in helping support start-up companies and develop world class cyber technology.”
Image by Blue Coat Photos, CC BY-SA 2.0 through flickr
