The United Kingdom (U.K.) government selected Wayra UK to operate the first of two cyber accelerator facilities meant to help tech start-ups take a lead in producing new cybersecurity technologies and systems, the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said Sept. 23.
The government is acting jointly through the DCMS and Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), a government intelligence agency that focuses on cyber and signals intelligence, akin to the United States’ NSA. The DCMS is allocating about $64.8 million over the next five years for both cyber innovation centers. The cyber accelerator facilities are part of the UK government’s larger $2.46 billion National Cyber Security Program.
Wayra UK, part of Telefónica Open Future, will operate the first facility and act to help guide U.K. tech start-ups grow and produce new cybersecurity solutions. The facilities will provide start-ups with access to GCHQ’s personnel and technological experience to allow them to expand capability, improve ideas, and create new cutting-edge products to outpace current and emerging threats, the DCMS said.
Wayra UK, launched in 2012, gives funding, acceleration, and pre-acceleration services to start-ups to promote growth and increase innovation. Parent company Telefónica Open Futureis is an international acceleration service company.
The accelerator program intends to help start-ups boost and scale initial sales and business development with relevant partners and secure follow-on third-party investment. At the first facility Wayra UK will give start-ups a grant and physical space to work in. Members will also be given the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity best practices and gain Cyber Essential accreditation, DCMS said.
The program will also provide insights into government procurement processes, IP management, export controls, and information assurance architecture. It will give a “highly prized opportunity to gain a fast-track cyber product assessment that is not available elsewhere while also pitching products and services to government department, including the Ministry of Defence, the department said.
GCHQ will also offer access to its national and international commercial partners in the cybersecurity sector.
The first accelerator will be based at a new Cheltenham Innovation Centre and is set to open around the turn of the new year to 2017. The second center is planned to open in London in 2017.
“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,” MP Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said in a statement.
“Wayra and Telefonica Open Future are immensely proud to be working in partnership with GCHQ on bringing further growth and opportunity to the UK’s cyber security ecosystem. Our shared vision will not only safeguard the country against cyber threats but also increase opportunities for UK-based start-ups and help establish the UK as a global hub for cyber talent,” Gary Stewart, Director at Wayra UK and Telefonica Open Future’s UK division, added.
Chris Ensor, Deputy Director for Cyber Skills and Growth at GCHQ, expressed excitement at the new project. “Combining the knowledge and experience of GCHQ staff with some of the country’s newest start-ups and most creative entrepreneurs is really powerful combination and one I’m confident will deliver benefits to the cyber security of the U.K.,” he said.
Start-ups can apply to join the innovation centers via wayra.co.uk/gchq. The closing date for entries is Oct. 17 and successful applicants will begin to work at the accelerator in early 2017.