Cyber security ideas for public sector sought

Cyber security key  - Fotolia

A competition for small digital companies to pitch cyber security ideas for use in the public sector has been launched.

The CivTech Wildcard Cyber Security Challenge is looking for early-stage ideas to combat threats to public sector IT, with £15,000 funding up for grabs.

The competition forms part of the CivTech pilot, a scheme to open up procurement by encouraging the tech community to solve open challenges rather than submit closed tenders.

CivTech, launched by the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate, first requested pitches from start-ups and entrepreneurs in July to face a number of six different public sector challenges in environment, health and transport. Organisers say there was an “overwhelming” response.

The latest competition is specifically on the cyber security agenda, looking for ideas to combat cyber threats and IT disruption.

One successful applicant will be awarded £15,000 funding and a place on a dedicated three-month accelerator programme in Edinburgh.

Finance Secretary Derek MacKay said it presented a “great opportunity” for “talented teams – whatever their size and background - to come forward with innovative ideas to address these issues, and give them appropriate support to accelerate their idea to commercial success in both the private and public sector markets.”

Martin Beaton, Cyber Security Network Integrator for Scotland, said: “The high level of interest in the first set of challenges has proved that there is a demand for such initiatives. It’s all about bringing together public sector organisations and private sector innovation, with the aim of stimulating the agenda and putting Scotland on the cyber security map.”

The deadline for applications is Monday 5 September at 9am.