The commitment follows a successful first eighteen months of partnership, during which more than 23 start-up companies completed CyLon’s three month accelerator programme of professional training and guidance from accomplished mentors, including a number of BAE Systems’ own experts.

The extended partnership will be announced at the latest ‘Demo Day’ in London, at which the start-ups have an opportunity to pitch to potential investors and partners after completing the programme. The partnership agreement comprises a mix of investment and in-kind support from BAE Systems experts who will support the participating companies by providing mentoring and guidance during the programme.

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock said:
“It’s fantastic BAE Systems and Cyber London are extending their partnership. Their exceptional work supporting small business over the past 18 months has helped a number of UK-based cyber security start-ups develop.

“This renewed partnership will boost our cyber security sector and complement our own support for industry through the National Cyber Security Programme and our cyber innovation centres, helping to make sure our firms continue to be among the most innovative in the world.”

Richard Wilding, Director of New Ventures and Innovation at BAE Systems cyber division said:
“Our relationship with CyLon is a critical part of our innovation programme, helping ensure that we support the UK’s cyber economy, while also allowing us to work hand-in-hand with some of the brightest people and the most innovative technologies entering the market today. We are in advanced discussions with a number of the companies over trialling their technology within BAE Systems and incorporating into the services and products we take to our customers. It has been really exciting to play a role in these companies starting to flourish, securing investment and creating high value jobs – and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership over the next three years.”

Jonathan Luff, co-Founder of CyLon said: 
“CyLon and BAE Systems have forged a great partnership. The UK is a cyber superpower, and with the support of a global giant like BAE Systems, we are confident that CyLon can help many more cyber start-ups to flourish here over the next three years and beyond.”

CyLon is accepting applications for its sixth programme, which will begin in March 2017. The deadline for submission is 20 January 2017 and details can be found at https://cylonlab.com. Start-ups and growth-stage companies from across Europe are encouraged to apply. Participants can include the very earliest stage teams, through to established companies seeking support as they accelerate development to reach new customers and markets. Entrepreneurs working on any technology with security applications and with the ambition to build a successful business are encouraged to apply.