Investors in cyber security have been invited to an industry-leading demo day, enabling them to gain exclusive access to the latest research and development (R&D) in the sector. Hosted by Innovate UK, the event will showcase fresh and innovative cyber-security prototypes that are currently in the process of being commercialised.

The Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme, or CyberASAP Demo Day, is scheduled for Thursday, 14 March at Level39, London. Here, investors and potential collaborators will witness the crowning achievements of those accepted onto the CyberASAP programme. This one-year programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), forming part of the government's extensive £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy, aimed at promoting and safeguarding the UK in the online realm.

The programme, delivered by Innovate UK, seeks to foster growth in the UK cyber security industry through nurturing innovation and supporting new products and services reach the market. To date, programme alumni have raised in excess of £23 million in additional funding to assist their commercialisation trajectories, and over 30 companies have been established by those who have participated in the programme.

As Prof. Will Drury, Executive Director for Digital & Technologies at Innovate UK comments, “The successful CyberASAP teams are already showcasing a lot of commercial potential. This programme accelerates business growth with funding, expertise, a professional network, and a rigorous process to support progress in a way to address and fulfil real industry challenges and needs.” The demo day provides an ideal environment for investors to connect early with these high-potential projects.

A particular highlight of this year's Demo Day will be the 'Alumni Showcase'. This aspect of the event offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to discuss investment, collaboration and other business opportunities with a selection of programme alumni. These include Mindgard, 2023 Finalist for the 'UK's Most Innovative SME' Fact 360, Baseel Ltd (licensee of CityDefend) and ATDPS. The Alumni Showcase is set to run from 12.30pm-2pm.

The CyberASAP programme has a strong track record in supporting the growth of successful businesses. Among its notable alumni are London-based Graphics Fuzz, which was acquired by Google, Bristol-based KETS Quantum, Cardiff-based AWEN Collective, Manchester-based cyber edtech company CAPSLOCK Education, Scottish companies MemCrypt and Lupovis, and recently formed spinout, OSIRT. The programme's considerable influence on industry growth over the past seven years is evident.

The CyberASAP Demo Day promises to be a key juncture in the calendar for those invested in cyber-security, with the Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Viscount Camrose, confirmed as this year's keynote speaker. The event provides a unique opportunity for industry insiders to get a first-hand view of industry innovation and, crucially, the chance to support and be part of the growth stories of the most promising new products and services.