CyberASAP Gears Up for a Decade of Innovation Amidst Fresh Funding and Promising Talent
The Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme (CyberASAP) is on the cusp of celebrating its 10th anniversary, building on the success of its recent Year 9 Demo Day, which showcased a diverse array of innovative projects in the cybersecurity domain. This pivotal event took place on February 25, 2026, at Level 39 in London, where 14 finalists presented their groundbreaking solutions to a knowledgeable audience comprising investors, industry professionals, and stakeholders.
Recent developments surrounding CyberASAP are noteworthy, particularly the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) commitment of an additional £10 million in funding over the next four years. Managed by Innovate UK, this financial boost underscores the initiative’s role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. CyberASAP has been instrumental in accelerating the commercialisation of cutting-edge cyber technologies that originate in UK universities. Since its inception, alumni of the program have collectively raised £47.4 million in follow-on investment, leading to the establishment of 43 cyber companies, as well as multiple acquisitions and licensing agreements within the industry.
During the Demo Day, participants tackled some of the most pressing cybersecurity issues of the modern age. Their presentations ranged from innovations in Virtual Reality age verification and deepfake advertisement detection to advanced solutions for quantum security and fraudulent blockchain activity. Each project addressed contemporary challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, reflecting the creativity and expertise cultivated within the program.
Dr. Pascal Berrang, representing the University of Birmingham’s School of Computer Science, showcased "SynapTrack," a next-generation anti-money laundering framework designed for blockchain systems. This innovative system boasts automatic adaptation capabilities to counter evolving criminal tactics. Dr. Berrang expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Demo Day really exceeded our expectations. Showcasing SynapTrack’s ability to trace illicit blockchain transactions to such a knowledgeable audience sparked exactly the feedback we needed, particularly around refining the experience for compliance teams.”
In addition to the exciting pitches from the finalists, several successful alumni companies returned to the stage to demonstrate their innovations in an Alumni Showcase. Notable participants included:
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CybPass, which enhances trust in autonomous systems by developing an AI-native framework that ensures safety, security, and compliance for responsible autonomy at scale.
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Cavero Quantum, dedicated to safeguarding the global digital economy by providing quantum-safe resilience for every connected device, from tiny SIM cards to crucial national infrastructure.
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Cyber Innovations Ltd, striving to make human-layer cyber resilience accessible and sustainable for organizations of all sizes.
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FACT360, which aids companies in real-time detection of anomalies in human behavior, alongside tools for post-incident investigations.
- Pentestify, a company that unites experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, and AI to address the burgeoning security concerns associated with real-world assets and institutional protocols.
The event commenced with a powerful address from Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE, who stressed the significance of bolstering the UK’s cyber resilience. She highlighted the critical role that academic innovation plays in preserving the nation’s competitive edge, encouraging early engagement between investors and emerging research-driven companies.
The Year 9 cohort made notable strides toward fostering diversity within the cybersecurity field, with women leading 6 out of the 14 project teams—an impressive 43%. This represents a sharp contrast to the national statistic indicating that women constitute approximately 17% of the UK’s cyber workforce. Through its government-backed initiatives, CyberASAP promotes diversity, offering academics with promising ideas access to essential resources and commercial expertise to develop their projects alongside traditional academic commitments.
Recognition also graced two participants from this year’s cohort at the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards held on February 26, 2026. Gizem Acar Tekin, CEO and Co-Founder of Photarix, earned accolades for her work on quantum security, while Dr. Chidimma Opara, leading the GUARD project at Teesside University, was celebrated among the top 21 Most Inspiring Women for her contributions as a lecturer in the industry.
Furthermore, CyberASAP alumni maintain their connection to the Innovate UK ecosystem post-graduation, benefiting from mentorship opportunities and resources that facilitate their ongoing development. This year, six alumni had the chance to showcase their innovations at the RSA Conference held in San Francisco from March 23 to 26, a significant platform for British innovation on an international stage.
Emma Fadlon, Co-Director of CyberASAP, expressed pride in bringing alumni to RSA, stating, “Taking our CyberASAP alumni to RSA was a proud moment—not just for the programme, but for British innovation as a whole. These ventures represent the very best of our homegrown talent, with rigorous research, world-class ingenuity, and that distinct ‘best of British’ determination to solve global challenges.”
The trajectory heading into CyberASAP’s tenth anniversary reflects an enthusiastic commitment to nurturing the next wave of cybersecurity innovators, reinforcing the program’s position at the forefront of technological advancement and diversity in the field.