GCHQ accelerator selects UCL cyber security start-up

Seven UK start-ups focused on security issues and threats have been selected for an accelerator run by the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).

The shortlisted companies include CounterCraft, Cyberowl, Cybersmart, FutureScaper, Spherical Defence, StatusToday and Verimuchme. Spherical Defence, a Cyber Security start-up from Pune, was co-founded by UCL MSc Information Security graduate, Dishant Shah.

Alongside the role of co-founder and Cambridge graduate Jack Hopkins, Spherical Defence builds artificial intelligent security for banks. The start-up pioneers an intrusion detection system that utilises deep learning to detect hacking attempts within banks.

The Cyber Accelerator is a government-funded programme which will see start ups work with intelligence agencies to develop technologies which will keep the UK secure online.

The accelerator is part of Government’s new Cheltenham Cyber Innovation Centre and aims to develop next generation cyber security systems which can boost the country’s £22bn cyber security sector – a sector which contributes about £2bn in exports to the UK, every year.

Each start-up will get access to technological and security expertise, investors networks, office space within the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, mentoring and access to GCHQ’s personnel and technical expertise

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock MP said: “I congratulate all the companies selected to join the new accelerator facility which is now open for business. This is an important step in delivering our National Cyber Security Strategy, and supported by £1.9bn transformative investment in cyber security. The accelerator will help UK entrepreneurs create cutting-edge technology to better protect the nation from cyber attacks and make going online safer for all.”