Cheltenham, UK – 18/03/25– Following the success of last year’s programme, CHLTM.TECH is continuing its Cyber & AI Bootcamp initiative in Gloucestershire, in partnership with CyNam.
CyNam has secured additional funding through Barclays Eagle Labs’ Ecosystem Partnership Programme (EPP) – funded by UK Government – specifically to upscale one of CyNam’s workstreams from Season 2 of EPP focused on entrepreneurial skills. This funding will enable the continued delivery of the bootcamps, designed to inspire the next generation of tech innovators and future founders.
CyNam, working alongside DeepMinds Ltd, Gloucestershire College, and the University of Gloucestershire, will deliver this immersive five-day programme which offers practical learning with a strong focus on industry mentorship, providing participants with real insights into building their own businesses. They will engage with real-world industry challenges, collaborate with experienced mentors, and develop valuable skills in emerging technology, security, and entrepreneurship.
Empowering Future Innovators and Tech Entrepreneurs
The most recent edition of the bootcamp took place in February 2025, providing an invaluable opportunity for participants to:
- Work on real technology-based industry challenges
- Gain hands-on experience in AI development, project management, stakeholder collaboration, and digital marketing
- Collaborate with mentors and peers to develop innovative projects
- Engage in expert Q&A sessions with industry leaders and tech professionals
The programme is designed not only to equip participants with essential technical skills but also to nurture their entrepreneurial potential, offering them the tools and experiences to turn creative ideas into market-viable businesses in cyber security and emerging technologies.
For Ambitious, Entrepreneurial Minds
This programme is aimed at curious and ambitious individuals who view technology as a tool for change and innovation. Whether participants dream of creating cutting-edge AI applications, launching their own cybersecurity startups, or solving real-world challenges, this bootcamp provides an immersive introduction to the industry.
With a focus on hands-on problem-solving and creative collaboration, the bootcamp aims to inspire participants to shape the future of tech, not just work in it. This is an opportunity to develop a mindset for innovation, encouraging participants to see themselves as the future tech leaders and founders of tomorrow.
Strengthening Gloucestershire’s Tech Startup Ecosystem
The Cyber & AI Bootcamp forms part of a wider effort to foster innovation, bridge the skills gap, and stimulate the growth of tech startups in the South West. By helping individuals develop both practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, the programme plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of businesses in cybersecurity, AI, and other emerging technologies.
Coming Later in 2025: Bootcamp for Future Founders
Later in 2025, CHLTM.TECH will launch a bootcamp specifically for people ready to take their business ideas to the next level through:
- Hands-on mentorship from industry leaders
- Business development training tailored for emerging technology and cybersecurity startups
- Real-world challenges designed to refine ideas into viable business ventures
By the end of this bootcamp, participants will have the skills, connections, and confidence to take their first steps in launching their own startup.
A Proven Model for Success
The first Cyber & AI Bootcamp, held in summer 2024, saw 21 participants work alongside industry mentors to develop AI-driven solutions for real-world business challenges. The February 2025 edition built on this success, further highlighting the importance of early exposure to AI, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, helping to bridge the gap between education and industry.
“This programme is about giving participants the chance to apply their skills in meaningful ways and develop an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Rob Stemp, CTO of DeepMinds Ltd. “By working on real challenges with support from industry experts, participants gain invaluable insights and experience that can shape their future careers in AI, cybersecurity, and business.”
CyNam’s General Manager, Hollie Wakefield, added, “Supporting the next generation of innovators is crucial for the future of cybersecurity and AI. The Cyber & AI Bootcamp offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with real-world problems and industry experts. Securing additional funding from Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme Season 3 to upscale one of our workstreams from Season 2 allows us to expand our impact further. We are thrilled to see how this immersive experience helps inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in these future tech leaders.”
Stephen Brown, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs said: “Eagle Labs are supporting the growth of the innovation economy in the U.K. Our government funded Ecosystem Partnership Programme enables us to allocate matched funding to organisations like CyNam to help founders access the support they need to grow.
“We are proud to be able to support projects such as this, designed to help early-stage tech entrepreneurs. This ensures our ongoing commitment to the key sectors vital to the continued growth of local economies across the country.”
Next Steps
The Cyber & AI Future Founder Bootcamp in Gloucestershire will open for applications at the end of this month. If you’re ready to explore AI and cybersecurity through hands-on experience—and are entrepreneurial or have an interest in starting your own tech venture—this programme will provide you with the tools, connections, and confidence to take the next step. Keep an eye on the CHLTM.TECH and CyNam websites for more details.
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 17,000 businesses.