The future of cyber starts here: CIH Empowering South Wales' Cybersecurity Revolution

We're on a mission to transform South Wales into a leading cyber security cluster by 2030, creating a world-class pipeline of new cyber security products, high-growth businesses, and technically-skilled talent.

Over the past six months, we’ve been working hard to make this vision a reality. With the recruitment of staff underway, external advisory and governance boards from the private and public sectors in place, and our first market-led challenge launched - we’re pleased to report that we’re making significant headway. Find out more about CIH in the short video introduction below:

We're making great progress and are thrilled to share some highlights of our recent progress with you…

?? Launch of Cyber Innovation Hub

On May 3, 2023, we officially launched the Cyber Innovation Hub at Cardiff University's Abacws building. The event brought together politicians, industry leaders, academics, and funders from across the UK to showcase the importance of CIH to the region. We're proud to have the financial support of the Welsh Government, and Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) along with in-kind investment from consortium partners.

Speaking at the event, Welsh Government Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“The Welsh Government is proud to co-fund the CIH in its mission to transform Cardiff Capital Region into one of the UK’s leading cyber clusters by 2030.

“The CIH will be a vital pillar in supporting the Welsh economy by creating high value jobs and a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the cyber security sector.”

Read more: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2717778-launch-of-cyber-innovation-hub

?? RSA Conference

Our very own Prof. Pete Burnap , Director of CIH, attended the RSAC 2023 in sunny San Francisco. This global event gathered thousands of cybersecurity professionals for four incredible days of expert perspectives, groundbreaking innovation, and best practices.

During his time there, Professor Burnap had the opportunity to share our mission with a global audience and to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. One of the key takeaways from the conference was that failure is experience, and innovators need to learn from their mistakes and use them to improve their chances of success. Pete shares his key takeaways, including the importance of learning from failures and the opportunities for Wales Cyber Innovation Hub to internationalise.

“The RSA Conference was a whirlwind – a personal highlight was the Innovation Sandbox - the most innovative cyber security companies pitching to a panel of senior executives at big tech companies, and serial investors. A masterclass in 3 minutes pitches, every single pitch said “this is my 3rd, 4th, 5th…startup”. Message: failure is experience, never give up.

I heard this message several times this week. Why do innovators fail? Because they never recover from their initial ideas not working out. You have to learn from the experience and use it to improve your chances next time.

I was honoured to be asked by European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) to host a fireside chat with prestigious company: Juliette Wilcox CMG (U.K. Cyber Security Ambassador), Lorena Boix Alonso (European Commission Director for Digital Trust, Society and Cybersecuirty), Mikko Hypponen (Chief Research Officer at WithSecure); and Gerhard Eschelbeck (Chief Security Officer and ex Google CISO). Message: Europe is a globally attractive market to cyber companies focussed on data privacy and regulation.

There are real opportunities here for Wales Cyber Innovation Hub to internationalise. And on that note…what an opportunity out here for U.K cyber companies! The investor market is open and welcoming of new ideas. Message: think laser focus, but also think BIG.

It was an absolute pleasure to join the Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government to promote Cyber in Wales!”

?? CCR Unleash Conference

We were also pleased to be a sponsor of the CCR Unleash Conference, which took place recently and aimed to help SMEs build sustainable success. Attendees heard from industry thought leaders, took part in interactive workshops and networked with like-minded peers. We had the chance to meet a wide range of businesses, understand their cyber needs, and share how the Cyber Innovation Hub aims to unleash the potential of the Cardiff Capital Region to create a world-class pipeline of new cyber security products, high-growth businesses, and technically-skilled talent.

We were delighted to hear from a range of speakers who brought different expertise and insight, including the Minister for Economy and the Secretary of State for Wales. Dr Yulia Cherdantseva and Sharan Johnstone (CIH Skills leads) led a workshop on the cyber skills needs of businesses and how the Cyber Innovation Hub supports the cyber security ecosystem by addressing the cyber skills gap via the provision of upskilling and reskilling courses that fit industry needs. We also heard from the other regional priority clusters as to what they have planned which opened the opportunity for collaboration between clusters.

?? Cyber UK

We were delighted to participate in Cyber UK 2023, the UK's flagship cyber security event organised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This year's theme focused on securing an open and resilient digital future, aligning perfectly with our mission to transform Cardiff Capital Region into a leading UK cyber security cluster. The event examined how today’s cyber ecosystem – a sector worth ￡10 billion to the UK economy – can strengthen, join together and innovate in order to resist threats, be ready for opportunities, and keep the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Thanks to the support of the Welsh Government and CCR, CIH has a unique opportunity to accelerate the growth of the cyber sector in South Wales. We're determined to increase the number of cyber security companies anchored in Wales by 50% and upskill 1500 individuals with hands-on technical skills through affordable training. Visit our website to learn more about CIH and how you can get involved: https://cyberinnovationhub.wales/

Together, let's work to transform Cardiff Capital Region into a leading UK cyber security cluster.