CyberNorth is delighted to announce the launch of its long-awaited Cyber Security Innovation Centre.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN – Apply here.
Following funding from DSIT’s Cyber Local Funding, CyberNorth is now trialling cyber security innovation centres across the region.
Two ‘pop-up’ innovation centres have been created in the region, one in Newcastle and one in Durham. These will be used to develop a future model whereby small innovation hotspots can be created that bring together innovators and business support from across the region.
The ‘pop-up’ concept, as opposed to bringing people to a central point, means the innovation centres will be where people already are.
The trial period will also create two variants of the model, providing further flexibility and greater future options, based in a:
- Commercially provided coworking space (Floe, Newcastle)
- Workspace in an existing underused building (Atom, Durham)
Further variants may exist and this trial will allow CyberNorth to test the model and its variants, leading to a revised business plan, sustainability strategy, future partners and identify future funding sources and key stakeholders.
The full programme is still under development but our thinking is:
The innovation centre(s) comprise two main elements, free (or subsidised accommodation) and a programme of business support.
During their time at the innovation centre, the businesses will be encouraged to mix with other innovative and start up businesses. Interventions will be designed to allow interaction to happen. The businesses will also have access to a range of free business support workshops including:
- Product
- Customers
- Company
- Money
- People
- Summary
Workshops will:
- Be held at each location once per month
- Encourage delegates to work at and attend workshops at either site
- Include a chance to network
- Include least one workshop expert, an employee of a cyber security business and an academic, where appropriate.
- Be a mixture of presentation and interaction
- Have time for Q&A
More details will be made available once the locations, suport packages and accommodation are confirmed.
A briefing session will be held on27 February 2024, online between 16:00 and 17:00. Register here.