A business support initiative, designed to boost the adoption of cyber-secure Internet of Things (IoT) technologies among SMEs, has secured additional funding to reach more companies from across a range of sectors within the Scottish economy.
IoT Secure – led by IoT experts at CENSIS, Scotland’s innovation centre for sensing, imaging, and IoT technologies – offers cybersecurity workshops and one-to-one consultations to SMEs and startups with an interest in adopting IoT technologies.
The programme aims to engage with businesses from Scotland’s growth sectors including aquaculture, maritime, agri-tech and manufacturing.
Around 40 companies have engaged with the free initiative since it was launched in spring 2020, with at least 10 invited to take part in the next phase. The scheme will run until March 2024 after securing a funding extension from the Scottish Government.
The programme is open to businesses in the process of developing IoT products or services, or looking to implement IoT devices in their workplace. CENSIS will work with each company to identify their specific opportunities and challenges, as well as provide guidance on the adoption of new processes and advise on additional assistance, such as R&D grants.
Addressing upcoming changes to cybersecurity regulation will also be a core element of the programme. The recently introduced Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill includes a regulatory framework on making smart devices more secure against cyber-attacks.
Cade Wells, business development director at CENSIS, said: “We are grateful to the Scottish Government for extending the IoT Secure programme’s funding and enabling us to continue collaborating with our growing network of SMEs and startups. Supporting companies with cyber security and resilience remains one of our top priorities, helping them to overcome the growing range of threats presented by hackers.
“We are hoping to make further progress with the programme by showcasing the benefits of integrating IoT technologies within more of the country’s key sectors, while also extending our outreach to a more diverse range of businesses.”
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