spy agency seeks extra startups for its protection accelerator

Startups find a way to work alongside GCHQ personnel in Cheltenham.

photo: GCHQ

Cybersecurity startups have one more chance to work with British intelligence features, as GCHQ has launched a second version of its cybersecurity accelerator scheme — and this time successful candidates might be working alongside the secret agent agency for nine months in preference to simply three.

the primary GCHQ accelerator took region this 12 months, with seven chosen security startups taking part in a 3-month building programme inside offices close GCHQ headquarters in Cheltenham — and a London centre will also be opening against the conclusion of this yr. these involved had entry to GCHQ personnel, mentoring, and contact with traders.

The success of the scheme has now led to an expanded programme with the intention to provide startups nine months to work alongside technological specialists from across GCHQ, including the national Cyber security Centre, with more time to expand their ideas and construct safety items to assist the united kingdom’s fight in opposition t cybercrime and overseas cyber threats.

“After the a success first phase of the programme, we believe we will boost the delivery-united states of americaeven additional via a longer programme, guaranteeing the agencies profit maximum skills of this opportunity,” a spokesperson from Wayra UK, the startup accelerator programme which is as soon as once more working alongside GCHQ on the scheme, observed.

Startups have except 9 August to apply to be part of the scheme with a view to start in October 2017. The startups can be chosen via an expert panel of GCHQ, NCSC, Wayra, and Telefónica staff, alongside a panel of investors.

“Cyber Accelerator represents a enormous opportunity to collaborate with slicing-edge organizations to drive ahead the govt’s ambitious programme of innovation that’s helping to offer protection to the uk from evolving cyber threats,” talked about Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director of cyber competencies and increase.

a hit candidates can be provided with a £25,000 furnish and a actual space to work in. in addition to mentoring from GCHQ personnel, the startups concerned will profit entry to suggestions on business construction, as well as capabilities from government, academia, and business.

The seven startups chosen to be part of the primary incarnation of the scheme have been CounterCraft, CyberOwl, CyberSmart, Elemendar, Spherical Defence, StatusToday, and Verimuchme. thus far, they’ve raised greater than £2.7m in funding, including observe-on contracts with major groups.

both GCHQ and Wayra are eager to enhance on the initial success of the first accelerator. “improving cyber security is without doubt one of the most crucial challenges that we face, whether as massive corporates, SMEs or particular person residents,” mentioned Gary Stewart, Director of Wayra UK.

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