A pioneering new start-up scheme will help cyber entrepreneurs launch and grow their business in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced.

The Government said the Cyber Runway scheme will help start-ups, small businesses and scale-ups access business masterclasses, mentoring, product development support, and backing to “trade internationally” and “secure investment”.

The initiative will be funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), but will be delivered by leading private institutions, including The Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT).

According to the report, up to 160 start-ups operating in the cyber industries will be supported over the next six months.

Commenting on the scheme, Minister for Digital Infrastructure Matt Warman said: “Our new Cyber Runway programme will help tackle barriers to growth, increase investment and give firms vital support to take their businesses to the next level.

“The programme will also support founders and innovators from a diverse range of backgrounds – targeting applicants from underrepresented groups in the UK’s cyber sector such as women and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.”

Louise Cushnahan, head of innovation at CSIT, added: “CSIT has a strong reputation for providing support to cyber startups through their various growth stages.

“We are delighted to bring our expertise to Cyber Runway to collaborate with cyber companies and entrepreneurs bringing innovative cyber solutions to market.”

The latest statistics suggest that the UK’s cyber sector grew by seven per cent in the last 12 months and is now worth an estimated £8.9 billion annually.

Click here to learn more about the Cyber Runway scheme.

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