New cybersecurity innovation centre to open in London in 2018

The centre will be a hub for established businesses and technology start-ups to work together to develop "the new technologies businesses will need to protect themselves", the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said.

"The innovation centre will see government bringing together large firms to work hand in hand with innovative start-ups and industry experts to develop the new technologies businesses will need to protect themselves. This will help make sure the UK’s entrepreneurs are creating the solutions the market needs and securing crucial investment. It will give start-ups access to expert technical mentoring, business support and advice to help them to grow in their early stages and contribute to the UK’s thriving £22 billion cyber security sector," the department said.

DCMS said it will invest up to £14.5 million in the new centre, and has invited businesses to tender for the contract to develop and design it.

The UK's digital minister Matt Hancock said: "London is one of the world’s most important tech sectors, with a record £5.6 billion investment in the industry in the past six months and a new tech firm formed every hour in the capital. Our investment in a new cyber innovation centre will not only cement the city’s position as a world leader but also boost the whole country by giving UK firms access to the latest cyber technology and allowing start-ups to get the support they need to develop."

The government separately announced up to £20m in funding for its Cyber Schools Programme on Monday. The scheme allows teenagers aged between 14 and 18 to register to take part in a "comprehensive cyber curriculum" designed to help build the skills need to pursue a future career in cybersecurity. A pilot year of the programme is due to begin in the autumn. DCMS sait it hopes more than 5,700 students will be trained through the programme by 2021.