KE Awards 2025 Case Study | NW CyberCom: Accelerating Cyber Security Sector Innovation Through University Collaboration

As cyber threats continue to evolve, turning cutting-edge research into practical solutions has become increasingly important. NW CyberCom was established to help bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application, bringing together six North West universities and two specialist delivery partners to accelerate innovation across the cyber security sector. Through a combination of industry engagement, commercialisation support and investor readiness programmes, the initiative has helped researchers transform promising ideas into market opportunities.  

Background and Team

Funded through Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, NW CyberCom united Lancaster University, the University of Lancashire, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford and the University of Liverpool, alongside delivery partners Plexal and CRSI. 

The consortium was created to strengthen the cyber security innovation ecosystem across the North West by combining academic expertise with industry insight and commercial support. Drawing on the MIT REAP framework, utilising the five stakeholder model in bringing government, universities, entrepreneurs, corporates and investors together to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, partners developed a shared approach to identifying opportunities, validating ideas and supporting researchers on the path to commercialisation.  

The Challenge

The UK cyber security sector faces a constant need for new solutions to address emerging threats. Universities are generating world-leading research in this area, but translating those discoveries into commercial products and services can be a complex process.  

Researchers often require support in understanding market demand, engaging with investors and developing commercially viable propositions. At the same time, businesses need access to innovative technologies that can respond to rapidly changing security challenges. NW CyberCom was designed to connect these needs and create a more effective route from research to real-world impact.  

Approach and Delivery

A key feature of the programme was the use of industry-led sandpits: intensive workshops that brought together academics, businesses and sector experts to explore challenges and identify opportunities with strong commercial potential. These sessions were informed by research into national and regional market needs, ensuring that ideas were grounded in real-world demand.  

The programme engaged more than 800 academics and supported over 70 researchers. From this activity, 32 proof-of-concept proposals were developed, with 14 receiving funding to advance technologies including quantum-safe encryption and AI-driven threat detection.  

Support extended beyond technical development. Through a bespoke commercial development programme and a network of five Innovators in Residence—experienced founders who had successfully exited businesses—participants received mentoring, commercial guidance and early exposure to investors. This helped researchers better understand investment requirements, refine their propositions and prepare for future growth.  

Impact

NW CyberCom has delivered significant results for both the cyber security sector and the participating institutions. The programme led to the creation of one spin-out company with a further five in progress andgenerated multiple licensing opportunities. Participants engaged external accelerator programmes such as InnovateUK ICURe,accessed follow on funding and collaborated with industry..  

One notable success was Photarix, whose development, investor engagement and market positioning were accelerated through participation in the programme. More broadly, researchers gained valuable experience in commercialisation, helping build confidence and capability across the sector.  

The initiative also strengthened collaboration between universities, businesses and investors. By creating opportunities for direct engagement, the programme improved understanding of market need, increased investor confidence and encouraged a more entrepreneurial culture within participating institutions.  

Beyond individual projects, NW CyberCom helped establish a more connected regional innovation ecosystem capable of supporting future cyber security ventures and attracting ongoing investment.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

EDI was embedded throughout the programme’s design and delivery. Opportunities were promoted across partner institutions, with clear and transparent processes governing participation and funding decisions.  

The consortium also placed particular emphasis on supporting early-career researchers and widening participation in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through mentoring, training and targeted engagement activities, NW CyberCom helped create a more inclusive pipeline of future cyber security innovators.  

Looking Ahead

The success of NW CyberCom has demonstrated the value of sector-focused collaboration in accelerating the commercialisation of research. Lessons from the programme are informing future regional and national initiatives, while the networks and relationships established through the project continue to support new opportunities for innovation. An example of this is CyberFocus, a £5M Place Based Impact Acceleration Account that includes all NW CyberCom partners with the addition of the University of Cumbria, which has enabled activity to continue. 

With growing investor interest, stronger university-industry connections and a proven model for collaboration, the consortium has laid the foundations for continued growth within the UK cyber security sector. 

KE Awards Recognition

NW CyberCom: Accelerating Cyber Security Sector Innovation Through University Collaboration was named the winner of the Sector Collaboration category at the KE Awards 2025, recognising its success in bringing together universities, industry and investors to accelerate cyber security innovation.  

By combining academic excellence with commercial expertise, the consortium created new pathways for researchers to develop market-ready solutions, while strengthening the wider cyber security ecosystem across the North West.  

From supporting spin-outs and proof-of-concept development to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration, NW CyberCom demonstrates how coordinated sector partnerships can transform research into tangible economic and societal impact.  

Watch their award-winning video entry below: