Cyber Innovate to Elevate 2026/27

We’ve kept eligibility as flexible as possible to encourage participation across sectors and company size profiles.

Applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

• Is headquartered locally in mid and south-east Suffolk or north Essex and is a UK-owned business.
• Is a going concern or if pre-revenue can demonstrate sufficient liquidity to continue operating for the duration of the project without relying on raising new funds.
• Can demonstrate sufficient resources to support the project in terms of oversight and management (we therefore do not anticipate sole traders or very early-stage companies being eligible for the scheme unless they have secured seed funding).
• Has the freedom to operate and the authority to deploy resources and make significant changes to the business (we therefore do not anticipate franchisees being eligible for the scheme).
• Demonstrates sufficient commitment to innovation and openness to change to maximise the opportunity.
• Shows potential for growth and can demonstrate a business case for the intervention proposed.
• Can clearly articulate the challenge or opportunity that the project addresses.

Participant companies will be selected by a panel including University of Essex, Freeport East, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, and at least one external representative.

Applications will need to demonstrate:

• A relevant cyber security focus area for the partnership (we can help you scope this).
• Adequate resources to fully engage with the project (staff time, access to facilities).
• Appetite for innovation and growth.
• Potential commercial impacts which could be achieved through innovation.
• Societal or other benefits that could be achieved through innovation.
• A nominated business champion for the project with access to relevant resources.