Partner Article

Launch of innovation competition inviting security-focused SMEs to pitch at BT Tower

UK telecoms firm BT has launched its latest pitching competition as part of its BT Infinity Lab programme, canvassing for applications from innovative SMEs whose work can help protect critical public and business data secure.

Its BT SME Award 2017: Securing the Nation will give UK SMEs the chance to pitch their business in a Dragons Den-style environment as part of three award categories covering Cyber Security; Data collection, mining and analytics; and Digital Innovation.

In particular, the telecoms firm has highlighted its data collection category of particular importance, and is seeking innovations that can help in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking due to the current dearth in effective data and insight in the area.

Working in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and TechHub, the winning entrants will be invited to BT Tower on 4th April to pitch their technologies and innovations to a panel that includes Chief Executive Officer of BT Security, Mark Hughes and Technical Director of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ian Levy, amongst others.

Winning firms selected by the panel will each receive £10k as well as a six month membership at TechHub’s sold-out startup space in London, as well as the opportunity to work with BT on commercialising their products.

Ben Gummer, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, commented: “Small and medium-sized businesses make a huge contribution to our economy and account for over 99% of all private sector businesses.

“Entrepreneurs, risk-takers, family businesses and start-ups have created more than 2.7 million jobs and launched almost a million new businesses since 2010.

“But there is more we can do - which is why the Government is committed to spending £1 in every £3 with small businesses by 2020. By doing so, we will harness the knowledge, skills and experience of our SMEs and use them to improve our public services.”

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