CyberASAP Pathfinder 2025 – apply by Friday 29th November

CyberASAP (Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme) is a well-established programme which provides a comprehensive package of support and interventions to UK academics interested in commercialising their cyber security ideas and research.

To complement the full, 10-month long CyberASAP programme Innovate UK Business Connect is running another round of the short, introductory version, CyberASAP Pathfinder, in January 2025 across four days.

Applications from cyber security academics wishing to join CyberASAP Pathfinder 2025 are now open and close on Friday November 29 at 11am (UK) – early application is advised as exceptional circumstances may require the organisers to close applications early. Click here for further details and the application form.

About the CyberASAP Pathfinder programme

CyberASAP Pathfinder introduces cyber academics to the key principles, terminology, frameworks, and imperatives for successful commercialisation. It provides a unique foundation of knowledge for academics who are thinking about the marketable potential of their research, giving them some essential building blocks to better understand how they might extend the impact of their research by taking it into the commercial world.

One academic who joined the first Pathfinder in January 2024 had this to say about it:

“Participating in the CyberASAP Pathfinder program was a transformative experience that provided me with invaluable tools for transitioning academic research into commercial ventures.

Through the program, I not only gained practical knowledge and expertise but also had the unique opportunity to apply these learnings directly to my project (LockEyeGaze).

CyberASAP Pathfinder encouraged me to think critically about the pathway from academia to industry, helping bridge the gap with structured, actionable advice, and the programme acted as a catalyst in my professional development, leading me to where I am today, guiding a promising team dedicated to innovating within the cyber security field.

I highly recommend this program to any researcher who is looking to understand the real-world applications of their academic projects and is eager to make a meaningful impact in the industry”. – Yaxiong Lei, Doctoral researcher/ PhD student/ Doctoral Research Assistant at University of St Andrews

Programme Format

CyberASAP Pathfinder will offer a fusion of virtual and in-person learning experiences across four days in January 2025 (two half days online and a two-day in-person bootcamp in Birmingham), thoughtfully tailored to support and encourage academic cybersecurity sector-specific commercialisation. Click here for full dates and details.

Apply for CyberASAP Pathfinder

Applications to participate in CyberASAP Pathfinder should be made via the application form accessible below, and are subject to review by the organisers and stakeholders. Please read the Additional Information section of the form before applying.

Applications are welcome from UK academics in cyber security who have NOT previously completed the full CyberASAP programme. Programme applications are open to post graduate cyber academics at all levels; and we are keen encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in cyber security, particularly women.

Like its sister programme, CyberASAP, Pathfinder is run in partnership by Innovate UK Business Connect and Innovate UK with funding from DSIT.

Register your interest in CyberASAP

If CyberASAP Pathfinder isn’t for you this time, you can register interest in the full CyberASAP programme here and we will let you know as/when details of the next round of the programme are available (subject to confirmation of funding).