Apply for CyberASAP Pathfinder to Explore the Commercial Potential of Cyber Security Research

CyberASAP Pathfinder is a short programme to help university researchers explore how to commercialise their cyber security ideas, combining online workshops with an in-person bootcamp in Birmingham. It is designed as a stepping stone into the full Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme.

UK academics with cyber security research ideas can apply for CyberASAP Pathfinder, a short programme designed to help researchers explore the commercial potential of their work and prepare for the full Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme (CyberASAP).

Delivered in partnership by Innovate UK Business Connect and Innovate UK with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Pathfinder combines virtual and in-person learning over four days, tailored to support the commercialisation of academic cyber security research. A preliminary half-day online workshop on 3 November 2026 is followed by a two-day in-person bootcamp in Birmingham on 11 and 12 November, with a concluding half-day online workshop on 16 November.

Now in its tenth year, CyberASAP supports UK academics who want to commercialise their cyber security ideas through an in-depth programme lasting around ten months. Pathfinder acts as a stepping stone into that programme, which is the only pre-seed accelerator in the UK cyber security ecosystem.

Applicants must be affiliated with a UK university and have a cyber security idea. Because Pathfinder is intended to encourage applications to the full programme, anyone who has previously led a CyberASAP project to completion is not eligible. Applications are reviewed by the organisers and programme stakeholders.

UK academics interested in taking their cyber security research towards commercialisation should submit an application before the closing date of 8 October 2026.