FOUR cyber security firms from the north have been selected to join a UK Government backed growth programme.
Ampliphae, Angoka, Audit Comply and Uleska are among just 22 companies included in Tech Nation’s Cyber 2.0 initiative, which has a focus on scaling internationally.
A number of past participants have gone on to secure significant global contracts.
Gary Davidson, entrepreneur engagement manager for Tech Nation in the north said the inclusion of four companies in the 2020 cohort was a real testament to the strength of the Belfast cyber security cluster.
From a zero base a decade ago, the cyber security sector in Northern Ireland now provides employment for around 1,700 people.
Gary Robinson, founder of Belfast-based software security firm Uleska said: “We have long admired the Tech Nation programs for their quality and track record of producing results for their cohorts. Uleska is delighted to take part in cohort two of the cyber program as we can integrate with UK businesses and show them how software security can be achieved at scale, at speed, and with increasing quality, by empowering teams through DevSecOps.”
Cyber security start-up Angoka recently chose Belfast as the location for its new development centre. The company, which manages the cyber risks inherent in connected and autonomous vehicles, smart cities and IoT (internet of things) devices, set up base at Catalyst in the city’s Titanic Quarter.
Executive chairman Steve Berry, said: “We are very happy to be in Tech Nation. We look forward to working with corporate sponsors, peers, and mentors in helping us build a champion company in IoT security.”
Mike Jackson, entrepreneur success director of Tech Nation, said: “The UK is already an acknowledged leader in cyber security, raising £7.8bn between 2015 and 2019, placing the UK third in the world for cyber after the US and China.
“In these unprecedented times that we face in light of COVID-19, there has never been a more important time to invest in and support innovative cyber solutions. At Tech Nation we are delighted to announce the second cohort of Cyber 2.0, to help unlock the growth potential for early-stage cyber scale-ups.”
