Two half day virtual sessions and a two-day in-person bootcamp: programme attendees will gain knowledge, expertise and training to progress commercialisation of their cyber security ideas. For the two-day bootcamp, meals, refreshments and two nights' accommodation will be included.
Sectors
Digital, Electronics, Quantum, Robotics & AI, Security & Defence
Introduction
CyberASAP is a well-established programme now in its ninth year. The in-depth programme supports UK academics who are interested in commercialising their cyber security ideas and is delivered annually with a duration of approximately ten months.
To build on the achievements of the full programme and encourage future applicants, we are running another CyberASAP Pathfinder short-programme in January 2026. The programme is being run in partnership by Innovate UK Business Connect and Innovate UK with funding from DSIT.
CyberASAP Pathfinder will offer a fusion of virtual and in-person learning experiences over four days (two half days online & a two-day in-person bootcamp), thoughtfully tailored to support and encourage academic cybersecurity sector-specific commercialisation.
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. CyberASAP is now in its ninth year. Funding for the programme for 2026/27 has been confirmed and we expect applications for Year 10 to open in late January with the programme commencing in April.
Eligibility
You must be currently affiliated to a UK University and have 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.
Key Dates
Thu 8 January 2026 (morning): preliminary half-day online workshop
Wed 14 – Thu 15 January 2026: in-person two day bootcamp in Birmingham
Wed 21 January 2026 (afternoon): concluding half-day online workshop
There is no charge to participate in CyberASAP Pathfinder if your application is successful, but you must attend the two half-day online workshops plus the two-day in-person bootcamp.
For the two-day bootcamp in Birmingham, meals, refreshments and two night’s accommodation (nights of Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 January 2026) will be included but if you are selected to attend, please note you are responsible for funding and arranging your travel to/from the venue in Birmingham.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 4 December 2025. For questions, please contact the team at cyberasap@iukbc.org.uk .
| Application Deadline |
04/12/2025 23:00 |
| Application required? |
Book Here |
