Colleagues in the University community who are involved in start-ups and spin-outs are encouraged to engage with the information and free tools provided by Secure Innovation, a recently launched campaign led by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC).
The campaign aims to help founders and leaders of innovative start-ups protect their technology, competitive advantage, and reputation. Secure Innovation runs alongside the Trusted Research campaign.
The UK has a strong record in research and development and a vibrant emerging tech start-up ecosystem, and this is certainly the case at our University. Secure Innovation outlines cost-effective measures that early-stage technology businesses can take from day one to help protect their ideas, reputation, and future success, including from threats that could impact national security.
The Secure Innovation Personalised Action Plan has been developed to help early-stage innovative companies protect their innovation. By answering a few quick questions about your business and existing security arrangements, this new and free tool will identify potential risks to consider, and generates a bespoke security action plan for your business, guiding you through the next steps on your security journey.
The NPSA and NSCS have advised that no business is too small or too young to be a target, and that certain states target innovative UK companies of all sizes. Those with low levels of security are most at risk.
Colleagues involved in start-ups and spin-outs in the University are encouraged to access the tool here to understand how to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to their new business.
Support and Resources
- Research and Innovation Services (R&IS) provides advice, support and access to training to colleagues setting up or involved in international research collaborations. Email: [email protected] or visit Research Integrity and Compliance (sharepoint.com)
- Secure Innovation: https://www.npsa.gov.uk/secure-innovation
- Trusted Research: https://www.npsa.gov.uk/trusted-research