A first-ever GCHQ-backed programme for cyber security start-ups has been hailed as a major success.

Seven cyber security start-ups joined the unique GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, which is a partnership between GCHQ, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and Wayra UK, the leading UK corporate accelerator that is part of the global Telefónica Open Future network.

The new accelerator is the first step in delivering the Cheltenham Innovation Centre, the first of two world-leading innovation centres to be created as part of the Government's National Cyber Security Programme. A second innovation centre will open in London later this year.

The seven start-ups received support to help them scale all aspects of their businesses, including high-quality mentoring and business services, office space, and access to GCHQ and Telefónica's world-class personnel and technical expertise.

That support has helped the companies develop substantially, with successes including the securing of contracts with government agencies and projects with major corporations, as well as developing their products and embarking on funding rounds.

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock MP said: "Our recent digital strategy set out our ambition to create a world-leading digital economy that works for everyone and makes the UK the safest place to do business online.

"The Cyber Accelerator is helping to deliver this aim by supporting entrepreneurs and innovators as they turn great ideas into cyber security products and services, and I congratulate all those who have taken part in the first programme and contributed to its success."

The accelerator was launched to help keep the UK secure online, enable companies to produce the next generation of cyber security systems, and boost the country's £22billion cyber security sector, which currently contributes around £2billion a year in exports to the UK economy.

The Government's new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is making the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It is a single, central body for cyber security at a national level, managing national cyber security incidents, carrying out real-time threat analysis and providing tailored sector advice.

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director of Cyber Skills and Growth said: "The Cyber Accelerator initiative is helping to identify and develop innovative solutions to meet the cyber security challenges the UK faces today. I hope to see some of the companies we have worked with become household names in the future, providing things that will help keep us safe in an ever more connected world."

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