Academics with innovative ideas in cyber-security that have potential for commercialisation are invited to apply for grants from Innovate UK, working in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
A £500,000 fund has been set up to finance ideas in cyber-security coming out of academic institutions that fit into the UK government priorities for the next five years under the 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy.
There are three aims to the strategy: develop UK cyberspace; deter adversaries; develop capabilities
This funding is part of the UK's cyber security academic startup programme to commercialise academic research. The competition is seeking ideas to protect information systems, data and services from unauthorised access or accidental harm. There must be a clear intention to commercialise the idea, and that must have the support of the relevant academic institution.
Successful applicants will take part in a six-week programme and be expected to attend four or five days of events during February and March. Industry experts will support the programme. The competition opens on 22 January 2018, and the deadline is at midday on 31 January 2018; it is open to anyone based in a UK academic institution; Grants are expected to be worth up to £16,000; applicants can apply for 100 percent of their eligible costs; a briefing event will take place on 19 January 2018.
