ÌÇÐÄVlog

Introducing Cyber Innovate to Elevate

Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) is a brand-new innovation accelerator programme from designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across northern ÌÇÐÄVlog and south-east Suffolk to build stronger cyber resilience.

Funded by Innovate UK’s Cyber Local 2025-2026 initiative and delivered by cybersecurity experts at the ÌÇÐÄVlog, CItE offers fully funded, collaborative projects tailored to your business’s cybersecurity needs.

Whether you're looking to upskill your team, develop secure digital systems, or address specific cyber threats, this programme will connect you with leading academic expertise and hands-on support to help make it happen.

Applications to CItE will be open from 1 September 2025, with all projects to be completed by 28 February 2026.

or contact us at Innovation@essex.ac.uk to find out if your business is eligible to apply.

Discover more about the programme

Freeport East’s CItE accelerator programme will fully-fund cybersecurity projects between participating businesses and the ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Participants will receive hands-on intervention from an Innovation Manager from the University and get access to a team of highly qualified academics and research staff who can offer expertise in the following areas:

• Development of data systems that embed privacy and security principles.
• Identifying and visualising risks resulting from technical and human factors.
• Implementing solutions and policies to ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Improving data protection and trustworthiness of data systems.
• Guidance to protect from malicious attacks or accidental breaches.
• Analysis of cybersecurity and privacy risks, threats and vulnerabilities.
• Cyber awareness and training
• Technology adoption and automation.
• Scaling digitisation securely.
• ... and more

Whether you're just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to take your digital defences to the next level, CItE offers the tools, talent, and support to help you succeed.

Costs to participate in Cyber Innovate to Elevate

The CItE programme will cover all direct project costs such as University staff time, travel, and some project-related equipment. This means there is no cash contribution required from you to participate.

However, these projects are intended to be collaborative and the more time and energy your team invests in the process, the greater the potential for long-term benefits.

During the application stage, we will work with you to fully scope the project based on your needs.

Gain new perspectives from the next generation of cybersecurity experts

In addition to fully funded collaboration opportunities, your business can also partner with top MSc and PhD students from the University to co-develop real-world cybersecurity solutions. ÌÇÐÄVlog’s talented students bring cutting-edge knowledge and a fresh perspective to help you address your most pressing digital security needs.

How it works: As part of our bespoke iTeams programme, our students will work directly with SMEs to explore cybersecurity strategies tailored to your business.

It’s a unique opportunity to stress-test ideas, uncover new opportunities, and gain valuable insights through a structured support programme run by the University.

Cyber Innovate to Elevate is jointly supported and funded by Innovate UK, Freeport East and the ÌÇÐÄVlog.