CybersecurityAccelerators

The UK’s largest cyber accelerator, Cyber Runway, is accepting applications for its Grow and Scale streams, with submissions open until 14th August.

Delivered by Plexal and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in partnership with Deloitte and the Centre for Secure Information Technologies, Cyber Runway’s Grow and Scale streams are designed to spur growth across the country and address regional gaps.

It does this through delivery of in-region events and engaging with the DSIT-funded UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration.

Grow is a programme for startups to nail their product-market fit, get commercialisation support and lay the foundations for growth.

Scale is a programme helping scaleups and high-growth startups blast away any barriers to growth nationally and around the world.

Grow and Scale applications are open to all startups and scaleups looking to reach the next level, make connections and address major challenges facing the UK’s cyber sector, with both programmes starting in September 2023.

Revealing Manchester Startups 2.0

Evolving Cyber Runway further to improve support for participants, Plexal is introducing an Innovation Forum, comprising a group of hand-picked CISOs. The Innovation Forum will allow startups to connect with leaders from the public and private sectors to help them develop solutions to emerging challenges and pivot into a new sector if needed. Sessions will be smaller, allowing members to benefit from more tailored advice and peer support.

Interested entrepreneurs and startups can apply on Plexal’s website and Plexal is also keen to hear from security leaders, investors and experienced founders who want to mentor entrepreneurs going through the next accelerator.

“In light of evolving threats and the challenges faced by our critical national infrastructure, it’s important that we seek new opportunities to leverage emerging technologies,” said Saj Huq, CCO and head of innovation at Plexal. 

“We’re excited to launch the application process of Cyber Runway’s Grow and Scale streams for companies looking to strengthen the UK’s digital economy and drive greater cyber resilience.”

The opening of Grow and Scale applications for Cyber Runway follows the recent closure of submissions for the other two accelerator streams, Launch and Ignite – cohorts for which are being selected currently.

Launch is a bootcamp to help budding entrepreneurs, graduates and spinouts get their business off the ground and build connections.

Ignite is a programme for exceptional founders of cyber security startups to help them develop as leaders and scale their businesses.

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