CyberNorth to pilot innovation centres in the North East

CyberNorth is set to launch two pilot Innovation Centres in Newcastle and Durham, following a successful funding bid from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

In collaboration with digital bank Atom and co-working space provider Floe, the initiative will offer businesses a six-month support package aimed at fostering innovation and growth.

These Innovation Centres are poised to offer crucial support to pioneering early-stage businesses, enabling them to fast-track their development in the field of cybersecurity.

The funding will allow CyberNorth and its key partners to demonstrate the feasibility of a wider rollout across the region.

This announcement comes on the heels of the highly acclaimed Aspire CyberFest 2023, which saw over 350 business leaders and tech specialists gather in the region. Viscount Camrose, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for AI and Intellectual Property), spoke at the event, emphasising the critical contribution of the North East’s cybersecurity cluster, CyberNorth, and local tech enterprises to the sector’s regional growth.

“We are delighted to have secured funding from the DSIT, this is a ground-breaking moment for cybersecurity in the region,” said Phil Jackman, director of CyberNorth.

“As a catalyst of support in the North East, the aim of CyberNorth is to bring the cyber sector together, whilst championing the region nationally.

“The roll-out of the ‘physical’ Innovation Centres is a big step and see our plans and collaborations with partners across the North East build further momentum.

“The ministerial visit to the region last year was key and enabled the minister to see first-hand the challenges being faced, and the potential to grow the cyber security and digital sector to unlock new jobs and investment across the region.

“We are very excited to put the wheels in motion for this new venture with our partners Atom Bank and floe.”

From its foundation, CyberNorth has dedicated itself to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem within the region, fostering community development, and elevating awareness of the North East’s opportunities and capabilities on local, national, and international stages.

Boasting approximately 900 members, the CyberNorth Membership community represents a broad spectrum of the cybersecurity field. This community actively engages with other regional sector clusters, encompassing FinTech, Space, HealthTech, Advanced Manufacturing, and Renewables, to cultivate a comprehensive and collaborative technological environment.

Jon Holden, CISO, Atom Bank said: “Our support for the innovation centres, rooted in the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Durham, is not just an investment in the community and technology, but a steadfast commitment to a safer digital future for all of the UK.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of CyberNorth and support the vast cyber security talent in the region. We are not only nurturing local talent, transforming raw potential into the new defenders of cyberspace but also celebrating the unique fusion of tradition and technology that our region has to offer.”

Hamish Rutherford, director at floe, added: “We are delighted to work with CyberNorth to support this exciting programme in the region. We look forward to hosting a range of new and innovative businesses at our accessible city centre premises to help nurture the next generation of cyber security talent.”