IoT programme secures four SME’s for cybersecurity innovation

Four Scottish tech companies have won a package of support to create new Internet of Things (IoT) focused cybersecurity products and services.

Beringar, PolyDigi Tech, Lupovis, and Craft Prospect have secured a place on the first CENSIS IoT Cyber Security Accelerator, and will each receive support to help their development, including 10 days’ engineering assistance and business development guidance.

The overall winner will also be a direct entrant to the semi-finals of the Scottish EDGE awards, in which innovative, high-growth businesses can win up to £150,000 of funding.

The programme is supported by Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government and was launched in November 2019 at CENSIS’ sixth annual Technology Summit.

Each company will use the funding in their own unique ways to develop new IoT cybersecurity products.

Proptech start-up Beringar will use the initiative to develop a secure device-to-cloud IoT platform for real-time monitoring of use patterns, workplace performance, and real-time analysis of Covid-19 risks in commercial offices.

Edinburgh-based fintech company PolyDigi Tech will create software that provides reassurance of data ownership and control of IoT devices.

Lupovis, a spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, is creating a digital decoy-rich engagement environment that diverts and traps hackers after breaching an IoT system, without alerting them they have been identified.

And space engineering company Craft Prospect is looking to create a safe way of exchanging cryptographic keys between IoT systems and the cloud, enabling secure communications channels to be set-up.

Cade Wells, business development manager at CENSIS, said: “There was a great deal of interest in our first IoT Cyber Security Accelerator programme, which is testament to the strength and depth of Scotland’s IoT and cybersecurity communities.

“The companies that have been selected are working on some highly innovative products and services, which could make a significant difference to security in their respective fields.

“It is particularly encouraging that all the finalists work in very different areas – from space engineering to property management – and we look forward to supporting them in the next stage of their development.”

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