Plexal, the London based which delivers LORCA, the UK Government-backed cybersecurity programme, has partnered with the Global Cyber Alliance, City of New York, and the New York Economic Development Corporation. The partnerships are designed to help cybersecurity companies scale internationally, Plexal says.
The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) has become a supporting partner, meaning that Plexal members and members of the LORCA cohort can have access to the allianceโs 200-plus global partners, such as Bank of America, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft and Sony. As well as mentoring and networking, the GCA can bring cyber expertise from government and the private sector to share with cyber members of Plexalโs network to help them shape their products into viable solutions.
Plexal’s partnership with the City of New York Mayorโs Office of the Chief Technology Officer and the New York Economic Development Corporation will see Plexal be the UK lead for the NYCx Cybersecurity Moonshot Challenge. Its focus; on creating better cybersecurity solutions for SMEs. Plexal will provide consultation, demo opportunities and a base for winners to develop in the UK through free co-working space and support at Plexalโs hub at Here East, pictured, on the London Olympics site.
These partnerships build on the launch of the London Office for Rapid Cybersecurity Advancement (LORCA) in June 2018, hosted and delivered by Plexal with ยฃ13.5m of funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). As a UK dedicated space for industry-led cybersecurity, LORCA supports the most promising cybersecurity set-ups in scaling and growing to meet pressing industry challenges. As for its international remit, LORCAโs Industry Advisory Board includes representation from Cyber Spark (the Israeli cyber hub) and the National University of Singapore, among others. LORCA also works with the Department for International Trade and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to connect LORCA members through delegations and trade missions.
Andrew Roughan, Managing Director of LORCA, says: โSharing knowledge and being open to cooperation between global cyber innovators and industry is more important than ever. Weโre looking forward to deepening our links with new global partners and acting as the UK landing pad and connector. These important partnerships with the New York Development Corporation and the Global Cyber Alliance will mean the emerging cyber stars we support can have even greater direct access to new markets and the networks they need to succeed.โ
Andy Bates, GCA Executive Director for UK and EMEA, Global Cyber Alliance, says: โInnovation and entrepreneurship are key to shoring up cyber defences. GCA is pleased to partner with Plexal and LORCA and participate in their program to work with scaleups working on cybersecurity challenges.โ
And James Patchett, President and CEO at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, says: โCybersecurity is one of our worldโs greatest threats, and we need to be ambitious about protecting ourselves. Thatโs why weโre making New York City a hotbed for cyber innovation, to protect every New Yorker and every business โ all while creating good-paying jobs. Weโre proud to help launch this important challenge, which will benefit New York City and create game-changing technology for the world to share.โ
