The Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) scheme has returned to offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mid Suffolk and the wider Freeport area including South Suffolk and North Essex the chance to secure funding to explore innovations to make them more secure, efficient and competitive.
Participating firms will receive hands-on intervention from an Innovation Manager from the University of Essex and access to a team of highly qualified academics and research staff who can offer expertise across cyber and AI challenges.
In addition, participating companies will get access to Mid Suffolk District Council’s newly opened Stowmarket Innovation Gateway.
It builds on highly popular and successful programmes previously run between Essex and its partners, Freeport East and Mid Suffolk District Council.
CItE will offer businesses funding to access a range of services and opportunities, including the chance to improve cyber resilience, identify practical ways to use AI and data automation, explore new product opportunities and upskill staff.
Dr Marta Fernandez De Arroyabe Arranz from Essex Business School at the University of Essex said: “Businesses across the region are navigating a rapid technological revolution, with both cybersecurity and artificial intelligence becoming essential to long-term success.
"Strong cyber resilience is now critical for maintaining customer trust and accessing major supply chains, while AI is helping SMEs improve efficiency and compete more effectively. However, these technologies also introduce new risks, particularly for smaller firms with limited resources.
“Through Cyber Innovate to Elevate, the University provides a unique combination of cutting-edge academic expertise and hands-on business support, working directly within companies to develop practical, tailored roadmaps that help them adopt AI with confidence while embedding the cyber resilience needed to remain secure, productive and competitive.”
The previous programme was run in conjunction with Freeport East earlier this year, backed by Innovate UK. It saw eight businesses in the region receive funding to work with Essex academics to review and bolster their cybersecurity measures.
This followed a wider programme across Babergh and Mid Suffolk that supported 21 businesses over a two-year period, many of whom have continued to work with the University and subsequently completed follow on innovation projects.
Among those who received support were Colchester-based Curtis Machine Tools and Portable Space in Suffolk, with the latter describing the partnership with Essex experts as “rewarding and straightforward”.
This time, CItE broadens its reach and expertise, with businesses in Mid Suffolk now eligible for support thanks to Mid Suffolk District Council joining the partnership, enabling AI assistance and resilience support to be provided alongside cybersecurity.
It will also leverage the regions’ growing high-quality innovation infrastructure including the newly opened Stowmarket Innovation Gateway.
Steve Beel, CEO, Freeport East said: “We are very pleased to be supporting another round of the CItE programme – cybersecurity and application of Artificial Intelligence are both key priorities for so many SMEs in our region.
"As well as building on the deep expertise in digital technology at the University of Essex, the programme also helps strengthen the bonds between our local businesses and the University sector which are critical to driving greater productivity and economic growth in the region.”
Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities said:
"The cyber resilience innovation programme we are partnering in will open doors for our local businesses enabling them to gain expert support in the ever-growing complex world of AI and cyber security. Mid Suffolk wants to help local businesses remove future uncertainty confidently and pave the way for their own long-term resilience, innovation and competitiveness."
Cyber Innovate to Elevate is open to eligible UK-owned SMEs based in the Freeport East area of northern Essex and south-east Suffolk with a specific focus on businesses within Mid Suffolk District Council boundaries.
Full applications opened on 7 September 2026 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.
For more information, visit the dedicated CItE webpage or contact innovation@essex.ac.uk.
