GCHQ and HOST launch ground-breaking innovation programme to help North West businesses develop cutting-edge technologies
GCHQ, the UK's intelligence and cyber agency, is looking for five ambitious businesses to join its pioneering innovation programme to apply trailblazing technologies to national security challenges.
The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab, developed in partnership with HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, is aimed at UK-based digital companies or a consortium of companies with innovative approaches to technology and analytics, or a vision to reach alternative markets for their products or service.
Businesses can apply to take part in specific challenges as part of the Co-Lab. These include:
- Dealing with uncertainty: Products and services which utilise open-source information to help people make sense of current events and plan for the future; and
- Re-imagining morse code: Technology that will help improve automated translation and transcriptions, supported by advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – re-thinking traditional morse code technology for the future.
Another challenge is a wild card option, where businesses will have the rare opportunity to showcase to GCHQ an innovative and unique approach to technology that helps shape the future for the better.
While applications are open to all, they are particularly welcome from entrepreneurs in the North West, who are from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Kate, GCHQ, Head of Research and Engineering in Manchester, said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with the thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Manchester, connecting diverse entrepreneurs and creative technologists with the mission of GCHQ to bring fresh perspectives to our challenges.”
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, operator of HOST, said: “As a dedicated innovation partner of GCHQ, we are privileged to continue to support founders with this specialist programme, ensuring innovation is inclusive and accessible for businesses and individuals across the region and the UK.
“The Co-Lab offers emerging technology businesses access to technologists and innovators from GCHQ as well as valuable innovation and business growth support from the HOST community and its industry partners.”
The programme will be delivered in a hybrid style, both in-person and virtually over five months with companies benefitting from collaboration with technologists and innovators from GCHQ and invaluable mentoring from innovation hub HOST and its investor networks.
This follows two previously successful innovation programmes that involved participants such as Bellrock Technology, which was included in the G-Cloud 12 framework as a data analytics supplier for the UK government. As well as Journey Protector, a developer of technology that helps prevent cargo theft and human trafficking in the logistics industry, led by CEO Anne Lawlor, which has secured significant funding since completing the programme.
The deadline for applications is 13 September, with successful applicants being announced by the end of October, and the programme beginning in November. For further information, visit: https://www.hostsalford.com/programmes/the-gchq-innovation-co-lab-2021/
This programme does not offer a specific solution or product validation, or cyber security solution expertise or validation. We encourage applications to the NCSC-led NCSC for Startups for companies looking to gain traction in the cyber security sector or seeking cyber security expertise.
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Jen Lau
Head of Comms
07531 945157
jen@in4group.co.uk
For press queries about GCHQ, contact:
GCHQ Press Office
pressoffice@gchq.gov.uk
01242 221491 (ext 33847)
About GCHQ
GCHQ is an intelligence and cyber agency with a mission to help keep the UK safe. Its people use cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and world leading partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats in an increasingly complex world. GCHQ works closely with MI5, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), law enforcement, the military and international partners to counter real-world and online threats from nation states, criminal groups, terrorists and individuals.
Twitter: @GCHQ
Instagram: gchq
About HOST
HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, operated by IN4.0 Group, is an innovation hub at the heart of Media City. Formerly known as The Landing, it is an inclusive community of innovators in data, analytics, cybersecurity, AI and immersive technology. With five floors of labs, R&D and prototyping environments, HOST offers specialist support, affordable workspace, training and social spaces for people and businesses to start up, scale up and connect. HOST is a part of Salford's Innovation Triangle, and sits alongside Salford Royal Foundation Trust, with its global innovation factory; Salford University, the fastest-growing university in the North West; and Media City, the media and technology destination that’s home to 250 creative and digital businesses. hostsalford.com
Twitter: @HOSTSalford
LinkedIn: HOSTSalford
Instagram: HOST_Salford
Facebook: HOSTSalford
About IN4.0 Group
IN4.0 Group is a skills, innovation and start-up services provider that specialises in supporting businesses with the training, communities, networks, and advice they need to scale and enhance their innovation ecosystems. Its mission is to establish the UK as the place for pioneers in the fourth industrial revolution alongside its world-class industry partners with people, place and community at its core. IN4.0 operates HOST, MediaCityUK and has an office at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. in4group.co.uk
Twitter: @IN4_Group
LinkedIn: IN4 Group
Tags:
