Unlock Funding for Cyber Security Innovation with the Cyber Local 2025-2026 Grant

The Cyber Local 2025-2026 Grant Funding Competition, backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), offers UK registered organisations a unique opportunity to secure funding for projects aimed at bolstering the cyber security sector and enhancing cyber security skills across various regions. With a total funding pot of £1.8 million, this competition is designed to address geographical disparities and reduce the skills gap in the cyber security industry.

Key Information Table

Funding Body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Total Grant Funding Pot	£1.8 million
Amount Each Project Can Be Awarded	£25,000 – £150,000
Grant Themes	Cyber security sector growth, cyber security skills development
Eligibility Criteria	UK registered business, academic institution, research and technology organisation (RTO), charity, not for profit, public sector organisation
Open Date	17 March 2025
Close Date	30 April 2025

Thinking of applying? Using our Innovation Funder App you can assess your project’s suitability. Contact us now for more information.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant, your organisation must be UK registered and fall into one of the following categories:

• Business of any size
• Academic institution
• Research and technology organisation (RTO)
• Charity
• Not for profit
• Public sector organisation

Additionally, your project must:

• Have a grant funding request between £25,000 and £150,000
• Last between three and six months
• Be carried out in the UK
• Intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
• Not start before 1 September 2025 and end by 31 March 2026
• Have endorsement from your area steering group

Cyber Local 2025-2026 Project Focus

The Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant aims to support projects that:

• Strengthen the local cyber security sector through area partnerships
• Develop strong and innovative cyber security ecosystems
• Increase opportunities for local people to pursue a career in cyber security
• Upskill underrepresented demographics in the cyber security sector

Value of the Technology Provided by the Fund

The grant funding will enable projects to:

• Develop impactful regional activities and events
• Address geographical disparities in cyber security growth
• Reduce the skills gap in the cyber security sector
• Foster collaboration between industry, public sector, and academia

Cyber Local 2025-2026 Application Process

To apply for the Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant, follow these steps:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest to your local steering group by 14 March 2025.
2. Complete the online application form available on the Innovation Funding Service.
3. Ensure all sections of the application are marked as complete and all partners have accepted the terms and conditions.
4. Submit the application before the competition deadline on 30 April 2025.

Funding Information

The Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant offers up to 100% funding for eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of £150,000. Projects must demonstrate clear impact in the cyber security sector and align with the competition’s themes.

Additional Information

The competition encourages applications that support women into the cyber workforce and initiatives aimed at inspiring young girls to consider a technology career. Projects should complement or build on existing CyberFirst activities and demonstrate collaboration with local organisations or government bodies.

Programme Background

The Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant is part of Innovate UK’s efforts to resolve geographical disparities in the cyber security sector and reduce the skills gap. The programme prioritises projects with a presence in the specified geographical areas and aims to fund a variety of projects across different locations.

Project Requirements Cyber Local 2025-2026

Projects must:

• Be delivered in one of the nine specified geographical areas
• Demonstrate clear impact in the cyber security sector of the region
• Consider scalability and self-sustaining mechanisms
• Collaborate with local organisations or government bodies

How FI Group Can Help with the Innovation Funder Grants Service

FI Group offers expert guidance and support throughout the application process for the Cyber Local 2025-2026 grant. Our team can help you navigate the eligibility criteria, develop a compelling project proposal, and ensure your application meets all requirements.