Seven UK security start-ups get GCHQ support
Government launches accelerator as part of plans to make the UK a cyber hub
GCHQ has thrown its backing behind seven UK cybersecurity start-up vendors as part of plans to make the UK a global cybersecurity hub.
CounterCraft, Cyberowl, Cybersmart, FutureScaper, Spherical Defence, StatusToday and Verimuchme are the first upstarts selected to take part in the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator.
During a three-month development programme, they will receive help in scaling their business and will be given space in the intelligence agency's Cheltenham hub (pictured).
Minister of State for Digital and Culture, Matt Hancock MP, called its launch an "important step" in delivering the government's National Cyber Security Strategy, which is supported by a £1.9bn investment.
The seven firms specialise in various aspects of online security, with StatusToday, for instance, providing an AI-powered intelligence platform and CounterCraft offering a cybersecurity deception platform designed to fool adversaries with decoy computers, false data and fake identities.
The UK's cybersecurity sector is currently worth £22bn and contributes about £2bn in exports to the UK economy, according to the government.
The accelerator is a partnership between GCHQ, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and UK corporate accelerator Wayra UK, the leading UK corporate accelerator - part of the global Telefónica Open Future network.
Gary Stewart, Director at Wayra UK and Telefónica Open Future (UK), 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."