New support for Scottish companies to develop internet of things products and services

New support is available to help Scottish companies develop secure internet of things (IoT) products and services.

IoT Secure is being run by CENSIS, Scotland's innovation centre for sensing, imaging and internet of things, with funding from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government.

It will provide cyber security advice and guidance for businesses of any size, whether they are already involved in the creation of IoT devices or looking to incorporate IoT into their services.

IoT involves everyday devices being connected to the internet so that they can convey data and ‘talk’ to each other.

This could be everything from smart, connected home appliances to health equipment that can automatically alert to problems.

Over the next nine months, CENSIS will provide successful companies with one-to-one cyber security consultations, offering guidance on best practice, legislation, manufacture and design.

While early-stage assistance is open to all participants, start-ups and SMEs can also qualify for a bespoke support package, including technical expertise from CENSIS’s engineering team to address specific aims or challenges.

Businesses taking part in the programme can also receive support with applications for other initiatives, such as grant funding and test and certification schemes, as well as introductions to potential partners for future collaborative research projects.

IoT Secure forms part of the wider IoT Cyber Challenge programme, which was launched at the CENSIS Technology Summit in November 2019.

The initiative aims to stimulate the creation of new, secure IoT products and services.

Activities in the programme have included tailored workshops and an SME accelerator challenge.

Cade Wells, CENSIS business development manager and cyber security lead, said: “Cyber security and IoT development go hand-in-hand, and it’s essential that companies looking to develop new technologies, or introduce it to their workplaces, also consider the security of their systems.

“There is great potential for Scottish businesses of all sizes and stages to use IoT to boost processes and fuel growth and development, and our new programme is designed to help them realise that potential.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cyber security and IoT, so we will work closely with chosen companies to develop a bespoke programme of support to meet their needs.

“Start-ups and early-stage companies are encouraged to apply, as they can also benefit from further support that goes beyond the initial consultation, helping to meet specific goals.”