Six startups, selected from a strong field of applicants, are developing technologies ranging from biometric identity management and automated network defence to big data analysis and visualisation. CyLon combines a business accelerator programme and a physical ‘incubator space’. A three month curriculum and experienced volunteer mentors will help a new generation of entrepreneurs to build businesses around cyber security technology with global applications.
Speaking at the opening, CyLon co-founder Alex van Someren of Amadeus Capital Partners said: “I’m delighted we have selected six top-quality cyber security companies in the first CyLon cohort. Furthermore, the fact that two other highly-respected cyber security SMEs are joining us will add a lot to the experience of all the companies involved. The standard of applications was extremely high, confirming our belief that the UK is well-placed to play a major role in this vital and growing sector of the global digital economy.”
In his address to the event, Sir Iain Lobban, Director of GCHQ until November 2014, said: “Cyber security is one of the most challenging issues of our generation: in this smart, connected world, the safeguarding of computer networks and the protection of privileged information, whether institutional or personal, are absolutely essential. CyLon is a great example of how we can identify, nurture and apply the creativity that is blooming in the UK cyber security sector. I feel privileged to see this accelerator take off, and I intend to stay close to it so I can witness this dynamic project evolve and help to support a secure and vibrant cyber space.”
At the opening party the CyLon teams were presented to the partners, sponsors, and supporters of the initiative, before taking part in the first formal element of the programme, a networking session with their fellow CyLon participants.
The six selected teams in the first CyLon cohort are:
- AimBrain: Mobile behavioural biometrics software framework: a seamless security layer which tracks how users interact with their device.
- Cyber Defence Technologies: A BYOD solution which creates a separate and secure environment on personal mobile devices to be managed by the employer.
- Cyberlytic: Real-time risk assessment of cyber-attacks to help security teams triage alerts and reduce response times from days to minutes.
- Intruder: Mirrors the activities of cyber attackers without the noise produced by vulnerability scanners and penetration test companies. Helping companies find the needle, not the haystack.
- Mentat Innovations: Machine learning in motion: scalable, robust, autonomous intelligence for detecting anomalous behaviour through metadata processing in the Internet of Everything.
- Ruuta: A social router that solves the everyday problems people have with their Internet boxes.
Stuart Laidlaw, CEO of Cyberlytic, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for the first CyLon programme, which offers us a fantastic platform to grow our business into a leading global cyber security provider. We are really looking forward to starting at CyLon.”
In addition, two established cyber-security companies, Ripjar and SQR Systems, have chosen to base themselves at CyLon’s unique facility, so as to enjoy the benefits of co-working with the other teams.
- Ripjar: Making sense of complex data at scale, and applying state of the art analytics to help highlight and identify insights.
- SQR Systems: Secure voice, video and messaging using a combined encryption and compression technology for end-to-end security.
Tom Griffin, CEO of Ripjar, one of the participating SMEs said:“This is a great opportunity for Ripjar to join a dynamic community of innovators at CyLon, to learn from leaders in the field, and to share our own experiences as we build on our success to date.”
CyLon is supported by sponsorship from Raytheon, a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world
CyLon’s state-of-the-art facilities in Hammersmith are hosted by Winton. Participating teams, all of whom receive a significant cash stipend from CyLon, will be put through their paces by programme managers from Ignite, strengthening all areas of their product and proposition during the 14 weeks of the programme. They will also benefit from mentoring support delivered by an array of industry and academic experts. Additional support will come from programme partners and sponsors, including Winton, Fried Frank, and Freshfields.
About the CyLon programme
The CyLon accelerator will combine intensive collaboration, professional training and mentorship, drawing upon the expertise of seasoned entrepreneurs, academic cybersecurity researchers, government officials and senior executives of customer organisations.
CyLon accepts applications from entrepreneurial teams with innovative business ideas in the broad field of information and communications, aka ‘cyber’, security.
Successful applicants receive a per capita cost of living allowance of £5,000 for the duration of the programme. No equity is taken by CyLon in the companies selected.
CyLon will open applications for its second programme, commencing Q4 2015, in summer 2015.
CyLon Founders
CyLon has been founded through the collaboration of an experienced team of cyber security practitioners, entrepreneurship and public policy experts, and professional investors.
- Alex van Someren is Managing Partner of Early Stage Funds at venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners. He is currently a member of the Royal Society Cyber Security Research Steering Group, has been an expert panel member for the Government Chief Scientific Advisor’s report on the Internet of Things[1], and has advised the Cabinet Office on commercialisation of UK National Security assets. Previously, Alex co-founded UK cryptography company nCipher plc, which was acquired by Thales SA in 2008. Alex was appointed an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge in 2005.
- Jonathan Luff and Grace Cassy are co-founders of Epsilon Advisory Partners who share 25 years of foreign, security and innovation policy experience in the UK Government, including at No.10 Downing Street. Epsilon works with leading technology companies to grow their business and expand internationally through innovative commercial, intellectual and social partnerships.
Location
CyLon’s business incubator is hosted in spacious 4,000 sq. ft. facilities generously provided by Winton in Hammersmith, West London, offering fully furnished office space, breakout and meeting areas, a 130-seater auditorium and on-site catering.
[1] www.gov.uk/government/publications/internet-of-things-blackett-review