April 23, 2024
CyNam, the cyber security cluster for Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, is delighted to announce it has been awarded funding for the prestigious Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme. CyNam has been convening Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s cyber security community since 2017, encouraging collaboration, networking, and innovation to unlock the potential of the ecosystem and drive prosperity regionally.
This funding will enable CyNam to forge greater collaboration between its cyber security and emerging technology clusters, unlocking the region’s world-leading capability in securing emerging technologies. Fast-track entrepreneurial programmes, one-to-one mentoring, events, workshops and more will be on offer.
“’The Western Gateway’s mapping exercise of the regional ecosystem has already highlighted significant capabilities in cyber security and emerging technologies such as Space, AI, AgriTech, Quantum, and Semiconductors,” said Hollie Wakefield, General Manager of CyNam. “However, visibility and connectivity between these clusters remain limited. This project will empower CyNam to leverage its established network and expertise to foster collaboration, address the unique security challenges faced by emerging technology startups and attract stronger investment interest to the region. This programme has been designed especially to unlock the capabilities of the locality.”
This project will focus on four key areas. Leveraging existing data, CyNam will connect cyber experts with emerging tech startups, fostering collaboration and uncovering growth opportunities. Working with partners and stakeholders, CyNam will host knowledge-sharing symposiums to convene thought leaders to explore challenges and showcase regional expertise. CyNam will also tackle the investment gap with programmes designed to attract early-stage investment for secure technology startups. Finally, CyNam will expand their mentoring platform, to further support founders and entrepreneurs.
Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “We are excited to facilitate this funding to help CyNam continue its support for cyber security businesses in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.
“Using our Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we are allocating funding to organisations like CyNam that are already plugged into their regional ecosystems. We are proud to be able to support these projects, which are designed to help early-stage tech entrepreneurs. Our support for CyNam and similar organisations highlights our ongoing commitment to support the tech sector, which is vital to the continued growth of local economies across the whole of the UK.”
This project aligns with CyNam’s mission to catalyse and empower the growth of Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s cyber security and emerging technology sector.
Details of upcoming programmes, events and workshops will be announced soon.
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Editors’ notes:
About CyNam:
CyNam, headquartered in Cheltenham, began as a modest meetup networking group in 2015 and has since developed into a thriving community of more than 5000 members. Their mission is to facilitate the growth of Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s cyber technology industry by providing a dynamic platform that connects cybersecurity and tech experts, local SMEs, and innovative startups with vital resources such as knowledge, guidance, funding, and business opportunities.
About Barclays
Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients, and communities.
*For further information about Barclays, please visit our website https://www.barclays.co.uk/*
About Barclays Eagle Labs
Eagle Labs are one of the UK’s largest entrepreneurial networks, providing a wealth of support to startup and scaleup businesses, particularly those that are focused on technology and innovation. Businesses can be connected to mentors, specialists, and a collaborative community designed to help them on their growth journey. Eagle Labs provides these services through physical spaces across the UK, virtual support and an online network. Since launching in 2015, Eagle Labs has supported over 13,000 businesses.