The UK Government has unveiled its new Cyber Growth Action Plan, supported by a £16 million investment to foster innovation
This change is expected to create high-quality jobs and strengthen the country’s digital defences.
A clear path for cyber sector expansion
The Cyber Growth Action Plan outlines a new strategy to scale the UK’s cyber capabilities. Developed in partnership with the University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre of Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP), the plan will identify current strengths and opportunities in the sector.
The findings, which are expected later this summer, will inform government policies and feed into the upcoming National Cyber Strategy.
Cybersecurity is already an essential part of the UK economy, supporting over 67,000 jobs as of 2024. The action plan aims to build on this momentum by creating a stronger and more resilient cyber industry.
Funding innovation and startups
The announcement included two major investments aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups.
Up to £10 million will be invested in the CyberASAP (Academic Startup Accelerator Programme) over the next four years, helping universities spin out new cybersecurity companies. The programme has already helped launch 34 startups, attracting over £43 million in private investment. With the new funding, the government expects at least 25 more spinouts by 2030 and an additional £30 million in investment.
A further £6 million will be allocated to enhance the Cyber Runway accelerator, which supports early-stage cyber firms and SMEs. The funding will help businesses scale up, access global markets, and strengthen the UK’s broader cyber ecosystem.
Guiding public sector cyber resilience
The Government Cyber Advisory Board is being expanded to bring together top cyber experts from across defence, tech, academia, and the private sector. Senior leaders from organisations such as BAE Systems, Microsoft, Google DeepMind, Santander, and Amazon Web Services are advising the government on ways to strengthen public sector cyber security.
This collaboration is expected to enhance the delivery of secure digital services across the government, aligning with the current government’s Cyber Security Strategy.
The advisory board is viewed as crucial to enhancing national resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Focusing on emerging technologies and national infrastructure
The review, which highlights the Cyber Growth Action Plan, will examine the full supply and demand landscape for cyber goods and services. This includes areas like encryption, protective monitoring, and secure infrastructure. Special attention will be given to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to keep the UK competitive on the global stage.
The government also plans to introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill later this year. The proposed legislation is expected to enhance protections for critical national infrastructure, including hospitals and energy providers.
Cybersecurity is becoming a cornerstone of the UK’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy. By positioning cyber as a central pillar of the “Plan for Change,” the government aims to unlock innovation, create well-paying jobs, and foster long-term economic resilience across the nation.
The combination of strategic planning, fresh investment, and expert guidance is expected to solidify the UK’s status as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and defence.
