NCSC launches startup incubator to protect against national cyber threats

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has called for startups to apply to work alongside the UK's leading cyber security experts to help combat international cyber threats.

Startups that apply will take part in an initiative that aims to develop, adapt or pilot technology that meets the biggest cyber security issues facing the UK. The program is the successor to the NCSC's Cyber Accelerator, which saw 40-plus tech companies raise over £100m in external investment.

The NCSC are particularly focused on the protection of highly available operational technology from sectors such as energy, agriculture, and food manufacturing where there is a high risk of digital sabotage, intellectual property theft and corporate espionage.

The program is open to startups that can unlock the benefits of Industry 4.0 without increasing the risk profile, according to the NCSC. The organisation is also keen to hear from companies that can help SMBs and individuals respond effectively to incidents when they occur with technology that automates response actions across user devices using machine learning.

Startups that apply will take part in a three-month intensive programme - or a 12-month programme - that requires them to commit to at least two days a month based in the NCSC's innovation headquarters in Cheltenham. Startups will also get support in areas such as investment, marketing, networking and product development. Startups can apply on the NCSC website.

"The NCSC's mission is to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online, which means providing support and expertise across a whole range of areas," said Chris Ensor, the deputy director for cyber growth at the NCSC. "Startups have a big role to play in this, and I'd strongly encourage those with ideas for protecting operational technology, SMBs and digital citizens to apply to NCSC for Startups and benefit from leading experts in cyber security."