The UK's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has announced the seven cybersecurity start-ups that are set to become the first to benefit from the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, a new collaboration between the UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), GCHQ and Wayra UK, part of Telefónica Open Future.
The accelerator, officially launched last week, aims to help the UK take the lead in producing the next generation of cybersecurity systems and will be part of a Government-funded cyber innovation center in Cheltenham that will help keep the country secure online.
Companies joining the accelerator will now begin a three-month development program which will see them receive access to technological and security expertise, networks, office space and mentoring.
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.”
The companies selected to join the program include:
• CounterCraft
• Cyberowl
• Cybersmart
• FutureScaper
• Spherical Defence
• StatusToday
• Verimuchme
"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," Wayra UK director Gary Stewart said in a statement. "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 cybersecurity ideas the opportunity to develop them in the best possible environment.
"This accelerator could have a huge impact on the global cybersecurity sector, generating the next generation of systems that will make everyone's online experience safer and more secure," Stewart added.