27 – 29 June 2015, Government backed cyber-security innovation challenge sees 30 talented young minds solve industry problems
The hackathon was delivered by The Accelerator Network in partnership with Department for Business Innovation and Skills. NatWest set the challenge for the students to come up with innovative solutions to authentication at point of sale.
30 of the UK’s brightest young cyber-security minds took part in the three day ‘hackathon’ and quickly came up with innovative ways of solving cyber security problems in finance, including keeping young and elderly customers safe, authenticating transactions and protecting firms from invoice fraud.
“The Accelerator Network was commissioned by DCMS / BIS to run an Agile Innovation Challenge which would bring some of the brightest minds, under-graduates right through to post-graduate level from the 13 Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research together to tackle industry challenges and develop their entrepreneurial skills. The work was part of the Government’s five year £860m National Cyber Security Programme to protect and enhance the UK in cyberspace, including improving cyber security skills, research and innovation. Working with a range of industry partners and cyber security entrepreneurs and practitioners, The Accelerator Network created a 2 day ‘hackathon’ and provided mentoring and support to the participants throughout. The hackathon concluded with a well-attended pitch presentation, showcasing not just the technology but also the commercial application and initial go to market strategies. The winners won cash, advice from industry, and offers of Proof of Concept development from Natwest, the challenge setter. We found the Accelerator Network team enthusiastic, hardworking and well connected and we enjoyed working with them to deliver the project.”
– DCMS Cyber Security & Resilience Team
