CyberASAP Pathfinder 2025

CyberASAP Pathfinder is a three-day bootcamp for academics, providing the necessary guidance and support for researchers to commercialise their ideas.

A hybrid opportunity led by Innovate UK Business Connect, CyberASAP Pathfinder comprises two half day virtual sessions either side of a two-day in-person bootcamp, all of which is shaped to help participants understand the different commercialisation options available for their research efforts.

After just three days, our programme attendees will find themselves equipped with knowledge, expertise and training so they better understand how to progress commercialisation of their cyber security ideas.

CyberASAP Pathfinder is designed to act as a solid stepping stone for researchers to then move onto CyberASAP (Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme), the only pre-seed accelerator programme in the cyber security ecosystem – now in its eighth year. Funding for year 9 is subject to confirmation.

Eligibility

You need to be currently affiliated to a UK University with a cyber security idea to take part in CyberASAP Pathfinder.

CyberASAP Pathfinder is intended to encourage applications to the full CyberASAP programme. Therefore anyone who has previously led a CyberASAP project to completion (developing an MVP/Proof-of-Concept) is not eligible to participate in CyberASAP Pathfinder.

Scope

When considering applications we will primarily use the definition of cyber security as included in the National Cyber Strategy 2022

“The protection of internet-connected systems (to include hardware, software and associated infrastructure), the data on them, and the services they provide, from unauthorised access, harm or misuse. This includes harm caused intentionally by the operator of the system, or accidentally, as a result of failing to follow security procedures or being manipulated into doing so.”

We will consider cyber security ideas which are outside this definition – including those that address/mitigate online harms (safety tech) – on a case-by-case basis.

Key dates

Thursday 9 January 2025: preliminary half-day online workshop (Morning)

Tuesday 14 – Wednesday 15 January 2025: in-person two day bootcamp in Birmingham

Tuesday 21 January 2025: Concluding half-day online workshop (Afternoon)

There is no charge to attend CyberASAP Pathfinder. For the two-day bootcamp, meals, refreshments and two nights’ accommodation (nights of Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 January) will be included but you are responsible for funding and arranging your travel to/from the venue.

Early application is advised as exceptional circumstances may require the organisers to close applications early.