HMGCC Accelerate

 

About the programme

Technology startups are invited to take part in a new enterprise offering the chance to accelerate breakthrough products with support from engineering experts at His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC).

The new initiative, known as HMGCC Accelerate, wants to hear from startups already working on hardware and software technologies able to generate cyber and physical effects, in order to test security mitigations of connected and isolated systems.

This six-week intensive programme, delivered as a mix of in-person and virtual activity, will help startups, with a relevant product, move towards a minimum viable product (MVP) and develop their go-to-market strategy for future use with UK national security organisations. 

Participants will benefit from:

  • Expert mentorship 
  • Tailored product development support 
  • Access to HMGCC’s national security engineering expertise and challenge owners 
  • Operational scaling guidance 
  • Founder peer support and resilience training
  • Pitch training in a national security context 
  • Access to a co-working space in central Milton Keynes for the duration of the programme  

What is HMGCC?

HMGCC has been a base for national security engineering for 85 years. It is a pioneer in its field of operational technology, solving the problems set by the national security community, creating tools, technologies and capabilities to support this work.

WHO SHOULD APPLY? 

We’re keen to hear from startups who work in hardware and software operational technologies that can test security mitigations of connected and isolated systems by attempting to generate cyber and physical effects. 

Examples include, but are not limited to, combined automated vulnerability detection, new red-team tools and new approaches to reverse engineering. Successful applicants will have a relevant product that is ready to scale, a firm commitment to the programme and a passion for working in national security. 

Applicants should be based in a NATO member state or Australia and New Zealand. Prior security clearance is not necessary; however you will be required to undergo appropriate security screening.

WHAT COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

The programme starts on 15 February 2024 and runs for six weeks. It will run across three days per week with two to three 45-minute sessions per day. One day per week will be in person in central Milton Keynes. Founder and senior leadership-level participation is expected for all in-person sessions and virtual sessions. 

There is no cost to the programme. Participants will receive a set allowance for travel costs (sufficient to cover domestic UK travel for 2-3 persons for the in-person element). 

Key dates

Friday 26th January 2024

Applications close.

Monday 29th January – Friday 2nd February 2024

Applicant interviews.

Friday 2nd February 2024

Cohort selection.

Monday 5th February – Wednesday 14th February 2024

Cohort onboarding.

Wednesday 15th February – Thursday 28th March 2024  

Programme runs.

Wednesday 27th March 2024

Showcase date.

How to apply

Applications have now closed for this programme.

The programme follows a competitive selection process and applicants will be invited to interview online between 29 January – 2 February 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by the beginning of February 2024.