The North West region is set to become a leader in cyber security with a £4.9 million initiative.
- Seven universities are collaborating with local councils and industry giants to drive this project.
- CyberFocus aims to deliver economic and societal benefits by transforming research into real-world solutions.
- The initiative seeks to establish 85 partnerships, develop 400 new solutions, and train 300 individuals.
- With national cyber units moving to the area, the region has a unique opportunity to strengthen its cyber resilience.
The North West region is on the brink of becoming a leader in the field of cyber security, as it embarks on a £4.9 million initiative titled CyberFocus. Seven prominent universities, including Lancaster, Manchester, and Liverpool, have joined forces with local councils and major industry players to spearhead this project.
The CyberFocus project is designed to drive both economic and societal benefits through the exchange of cyber knowledge. Universities and their partners aim to turn academic research and innovative ideas into tangible solutions, products, and services that will strengthen the region’s position in the national cyber landscape.
The project has set ambitious targets, such as creating 85 new collaborative partnerships, developing 400 new products, processes, or services, and securing an additional £40 million in funding for the region. Furthermore, it plans to enhance the skills of 300 individuals in cyber innovation, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to tackle emerging cyber threats.
Professor Daniel Prince, the Principal Investigator of CyberFocus, emphasises the transformative potential of this initiative. “CyberFocus will connect and empower regional expertise to address complex and evolving challenges in the cyber domain,” he explains, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration across various sectors.
The arrival of GCHQ in Manchester and the National Cyber Force in Lancashire presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the North West. These developments are expected to bolster national cyber resilience, with CyberFocus leveraging this momentum to enhance security in critical sectors such as health, social care, nuclear, and digital manufacturing.
By fostering trusted partnerships and supporting innovation, the initiative not only aims to create new jobs and increase economic value but also to strengthen the UK’s overall cyber capabilities. This endeavour is vital for positioning the North West as a central player in addressing contemporary cyber threats, providing lasting benefits to communities and businesses within the region and beyond.
The £4.9 million CyberFocus project is poised to transform the North West into a national hub for cyber security excellence.
