Member Article

The DCMS is launching a new cyber security innovation centre in the capital

The UK government’s continued push into cybersecurity innovation is to be boosted by the development of a new innovation hub in London that will meld the city’s tech pedigree with its cyber security expertise.

The new centre will complement the newly created National Cyber Security Centre and will see up to £14.5m of government cash made available for the hub’s development over the next three years.

Launched by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, the initiative will support the government’s aim of strengthening the UK’s cyber security defences, particularly in the wake of recent worldwide cyber attacks such as the Wannacry ransomware attack.

Minister for Digital Matt Hancock said: “Our investment in a new cyber innovation centre will not only cement the city’s position as a world leader but also boost the whole country by giving UK firms access to the latest cyber technology and allowing start-ups to get the support they need to develop.”

The exact location of the centre has yet to be revealed, but the programme will see the government bring in big firms and industry experts to work with the participating startups, developing their innovations and channeling them towards market-ready applications.

Within the context of heightened cyber security threats for both businesses and government, the UK’s tech scene is quickly developing a reputation as being a world leader in cyber defence with its booming cyber security sector now worth over £22bn.