AustCyber launches innovation network

The federal government has backed AustCyber to launch of the AustCyber Innovation Network to help bolster the sector as it become front and centre of both the political and business response to online threats.

The network, part of the Stone & Chalk Group, is designed to nurture commercial relationships, provide thought leadership, and help companies innovate with emerging technologies.

AustCyber and Stone & Chalk CEO Michael Bromley said the AustCyber Innovation Network will spread across metropolitan and regional areas to stimulate innovation, fortify cyber security communities, and offer a unique collaborative platform.

“Growth of our domestic cyber security capabilities is imperative for the future competitiveness and sustainability of our industries and economy, not to mention national security and resilience,” he said.

“We are working closely with governments, industry, and communities as we usher in the AustCyber Innovation Network.”

The project has been backed through the Industry Growth Centre initiative and coincides with the government developing its Cyber Security Strategy Review and the Defence Strategic Review.

Cyber security and home affairs minister Clare O’Neil MP said welcomed the launch of the AustCyber Innovation Network.

“In order to meet our goal of being the most cyber secure nation by 2030 new and innovative cyber security solutions will be paramount – this will be reflected in the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which we will release later this year,” she said.

AustCyber group executive Jason Murrell said cyber security experts will collaborate and co-create solutions to drive the AustCyber Innovation Network forward. They” begin by examining the current state of the local cyber security industry and developing strategies to amplify programs to grow the industry.

“Our expanding national footprint will increase accessibility for under-served and under-represented regions and groups,” he said .

“Through the AustCyber Innovation Network, we are committed to providing unwavering support to the cyber security needs of all, including startups, scaleups, corporations, and government.”

The network co-design team are:

• Adam Bennett, CEO at Red Piranha

• Asrar Ismail, Manager – Governance, Strategy and Compliance at Quality Management Australia

• Ben Doyle, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Thales Australia

• Gergana Winzer, Partner Enterprise Advisory – Cyber Services at KPMG

• Jacqui Loustau, Founder and Executive Director at AWSN

• Jo Cave, TAFE/VU

• Matt Wilcox, CEO at FifthDomain

• Matt Salier, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre

• Sarah Box, Program Manager at Willyama

• Tony Vizza, Executive Director – Cyber Security at KordaMentha.

AustCyber’s Innovation Network is also planning to appoint “ambassadors” nationwide to promote and deliver the services and products and services developed.