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Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is partnering with the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) to provide funding of up to £1.3 million.

This funding will focus on enhancing cyber skills and supporting innovation projects aimed at fostering growth in the cyber security sector. Details outlining how to apply for the competition can be found here. 

Recent government sectoral analysis highlights a geographical disparity in the cyber security ecosystem. While some regions thrive, others lag behind, creating economic and resilience challenges for those areas.

The competition will aim to address these gaps by supporting regional initiatives and events that promote the expansion of the cyber security sector, alongside the ongoing development of essential cyber security skills.

Organisations looking to submit a proposal should align with the following requirements:

• be delivered in one of the seven specified areas
• demonstrate clear impact in the cyber security sector of the area through the development of strong and innovative cyber security ecosystems or increasing opportunities for activities to reduce the skills gap in the sector

The seven specified areas are:

• Northern Ireland
• North-West England
• South-West England
• Yorkshire & Humber
• Northeast England
• East Midlands
• West Midlands

For further information on these specific areas please see the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics guidance.

The projects must focus on the specific themes outlined below:

• cyber security skills for local people and communities to reduce the skills gap
• upskilling underrepresented demographics in the cyber security sector
• strengthening the local cyber security sector through area partnerships and forging links between industry, public sector and academia
• supporting the development of strong and innovative cyber security ecosystems
• increasing opportunities for local people to pursue a career in cyber security, paying particular attention to underrepresented communities

Click here for the full press release