Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark has welcomed the funding of 30+ projects through Innovate UK’s first Cyber Local competition.

Among investment winners is CyberSprint – backed by East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster with the aim of closing the cyber skills gap and strengthening regional cyber security.

The project – full name CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future – was awarded £76,000 of Innovate UK investment.

And it was one of 30+ projects this week recognised by Ms Clark – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – as of critical importance in addressing the national cyber needs.

“These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to building a robust and diverse cyber security workforce across the UK,” the Minister said.

New approach to cyber training

CyberSprint is led by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) and will take an innovative approach to cyber security training.

The project will redefine how cyber security training is delivered, moving from traditional IT to reskilling professionals in sectors ranging from law to logistics, creative industries to construction.

It will use a cross-sectoral approach, offering training to non-technical professionals in fields such as law, logistics, and creative industries, and embedding cybersecurity in the curriculum of 93 regional schools and colleges.

The CyberSprint project partners are:

• East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster

• De Montfort University

• Digital Planning Limited

• East Midlands Chamber

• Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership

• Leicestershire Careers Hub

• SASIG (Specialist Awareness Security Information Group), Barclays Eagle Labs

• Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC)

• Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

“We anticipate these projects will have a profound impact on both the East Midlands community and our nation’s overall cyber resilience,” Ms Clark added.

Funding and impact

Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair, Innovate UK, said she was delighted to celebrate the winners of the first Cyber Local competition as they begin their funded projects.

“These initiatives play a vital role in addressing the cyber skills gap by equipping local communities with essential cyber security skills and creating greater opportunities for individuals, particularly from underrepresented demographics, to pursue careers in this dynamic sector,” she added.

“By fostering area partnerships and building strong links between industry, the public sector, and academia, these projects will strengthen local cyber security ecosystems and drive innovation.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have on both local communities and the broader national cyber resilience.”