Five tech startups join NCSC to address security challenges
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), alongside Plexal, has announced five companies to join the recently launched NCSC For Startups initiative, to address national security challenges.
The chosen companies will receive direct support from Plexal’s cyber innovation team and leading experts from the NCSC and GCHQ, and will also gain access to wider technical and commercial opportunities with Plexal’s industry partners across the UK’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Startups will keep all intellectual property and equity created during the programme.
Who are the five companies?
The first five companies offer a range of solutions to issues including cyber fraud and ransomware.
The companies are:
- PORGiESOFT – A remote-first AI startup based in Cambridge, with their team working remotely around the world. They are mainly focused on EdTech and Cybersecurity AI solutions but also work across a number of industries by combining research data, technology, processes and artificial intelligence.
- Exalens – They help SME manufacturers to protect the digital safety of operations and stay in control of their digital journey, by levelling the cybersecurity playing field with accessible and automated cyber threat detection & response.
- Enclave – Enclave wants to make network infrastructure management more simple, agile and secure using patented Zero Trust technology.
- Meterian – SaaS provider platform that builds a scalable and sustainable line of defence for apps that use open-source software.
- Rebellion Defence – Rebellion builds products using artificial intelligence and machine learning that serve the mission of national defence for the United States, United Kingdom, and allies.
Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “The UK has a thriving cyber security industry and I’m excited to get to work with our first five companies and bring their innovations to life.
“Finding great ideas that can help protect all areas of society is a key part of our mission and we look forward to collaborating with more startups as the programme rolls on.”
NCSC for Startups is a collaboration between the NCSC and Plexal, the innovation company. The programme will be supported by Deloitte, CyNam, which brings Cheltenham’s cyber community together, Cheltenham-based coworking space Hub8 and tech skills provider QA.
Saj Huq, Director of Innovation at Plexal, said: “We’re excited to welcome the first innovators to NCSC For Startups. The response to our call for applications has been phenomenal and we’re looking forward to bringing on more startups throughout 2021 in response to specific challenges and technology needs in the cybersecurity market.
“The NCSC understands the UK’s cybersecurity challenges better than anyone, and the opportunity for innovative startups to benefit from its world-class insight and expertise is unique. Combined with Plexal’s extensive track record in supporting startups to become market leaders, NCSC For Startups will help companies address some of the most challenging security problems facing the government, businesses and society now and in the future.”
