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NCSC for Startups

NCSC for Startups

Supports United Kingdom cyber startups with mentoring and expertise from the national cyber security ecosystem.

DiscontinuedNational Cyber Security Centre (GCHQ)United Kingdom
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About

NCSC for Startups launched in 2017 as a flagship UK government programme designed to accelerate cyber security startups and close the gap between innovative founders and the technical expertise of the National Cyber Security Centre, which operates as part of GCHQ. The programme was delivered by Plexal in partnership with Deloitte, CyNam, Hub8, and QA. Over its run, more than 75 startups graduated,…

What this grant funds

Equity-free accelerator providing UK cyber startups with mentoring, technical exchange, and access to the NCSC/GCHQ government cyber ecosystem — no direct cash award.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.In-kind assistance
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Eligibility criteria

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Last verified: 29 May 2026Source: www.ncsc.gov.uk