Seven UK start-ups focused on security issues and threats have been selected for an accelerator run by the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
The shortlisted companies include CounterCraft, Cyberowl, Cybersmart, FutureScaper, Spherical Defence, StatusToday and Verimuchme.
The Cyber Accelerator is a government-funded programme which will see start ups work with intelligence agencies to develop technologies which will keep the UK secure online.
The accelerator is part of Government’s new Cheltenham Cyber Innovation Centre and aims to develop next generation cyber security systems which can boost the country’s £22bn cyber security sector – a sector which contributes about £2bn in exports to the UK, every year.
The accelerator is a partnership between GCHQ, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Wayra UK, part of the Telefónica Open Future_ network.
As part of the three-month development programme, the start-ups will be helped to scale several aspects of their businesses.
Each start-up will get access to technological and security expertise, investors networks, office space within the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, mentoring and access to GCHQ’s personnel and technical expertise
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Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock MP said: “I congratulate all the companies selected to join the new accelerator facility which is now open for business.
“This is an important step in delivering our National Cyber Security Strategy, and supported by £1.9bn transformative investment in cyber security.
“Based in Cheltenham, the accelerator will help UK entrepreneurs create cutting-edge technology to better protect the nation from cyber attacks and make going online safer for all.”
Wayra UK and Telefónica Open Future_ (UK) director Gary Stewart said: “The opening of the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator is a significant step forward for the UK’s ambitions to be a global hub for cyber talent.
“By bringing together GCHQ’s world-class security expertise and pairing it with Wayra’s track record in accelerating businesses, we will give entrepreneurs with exceptional cyber security ideas the opportunity to develop them in the best possible environment.
“This accelerator could have a huge impact on the global cyber security sector, generating the next generation of systems that will make everyone’s online experience safer and more secure.”
The seven startups
Counter Craft offers large enterprises with cybersecurity deception platform that can fools their adversaries with decoy computers, false data and fake identities.
Cyberowl provides early-warning system for cyber attacks featuring advanced cyber security analytics and heuristic methods.
Cybersmart helps in automated implementation, certification and compliance with cyber security standards.
FutureScaper provides data visualisations that help in understanding complex, uncertain and volatile issues.
Spherical Defence is a Banking API intrusion detection system using deep learning to detect hacking attempts by establishing a baseline for normal communication.
Status Today offers AI-powered intelligence platform to understand human behaviour at work place.
Verimuchme provides digital wallet and exchange platform which encrypts data and can be shared digitally over and over again.
