Apply for 2024 Technology Access Programme

Get support and funding to experiment with prototype cyber security technology

Digital Catapult is inviting applications for a new cohort of its Digital Security by Design (DSbD) Technology Access Programme.

The programme is designed to give UK-based companies access to the Arm Morello board, CHERI stack, and technical support to trial these prototype cyber security technologies within their systems, products, and applications.

What are Morello board and CHERI stack?

These are technologies that can defend against most known memory safety issues in C and C++. When fully mature and market-ready, these technologies have the potential to open up whole new markets for 'cyber secure by design' products, providing competitive advantage to companies who are already familiar with them.

Programme overview

Technology Access Programme participants get exclusive access to use the prototype technology to uncover security vulnerabilities in their own products, which can then influence future development before commercialisation.

The programme lasts six months, and has two tiers:

• Tier 1 is for UK-based companies with under 250 employees
• Tier 2 is for UK-based companies with more than 250 employees

Participating businesses will get a chance to:

• experiment with prototype, cutting-edge technology and be ahead of the game
• build unique knowledge within their company and stay competitive
• improve their product by identifying cyber security vulnerabilities in their systems/software
• become part of a vibrant community of cyber security pioneers
• receive a £15,000 grant (qualifying Tier 1 companies only)
• get access to experts at Arm, University of Cambridge, and Digital Catapult

See success stories from companies already involved in the programme.

Who should apply?

The programme is open to UK-based businesses with a company culture of exploring, experimenting and inventing with new technologies, looking to find commercial applications.

Companies with a research and development department and a strong focus on cyber security are encouraged to apply. Ideally, they should operate within - or supply to - the following industries:

• IT and services
• computer software
• industrial automation
• computer hardware
• CPU semiconductors
• energy
• automotive
• telecoms
• manufacturers of connected consumer / industrial electronics

Applicants must be registered on Companies House and have a business bank account. 

To register your interest, you should complete the initial application form and await an invitation to a screening call.

After the initial screening is completed, you will receive a full application form, where you will be asked to submit a preliminary project plan.

Find out more about the Technology Access Programme.

First published 16 January 2024