Ten NSW cyber security start-ups will be offered a major business development opportunity in India under the NSW-India Cyber Security Exchange, a joint initiative by the NSW Government, Macquarie University and Optus.
NSW Minister for Trade and Industry, Niall Blair, said that the exchange was being supported by the government as part of a $1.58 million partnership between NSW and India to boost NSW’s technology sectors.
“This is all about helping NSW entrepreneurs connect with the Indian market, learn new skills and forge commercial partnerships in areas where NSW and India share challenges and mutual opportunities exist,” Blair said.
“India is one of the world’s most dynamic and fast developing technology markets and this will help NSW cyber security businesses develop and grow.”
Delivered by the NSW Government together with the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, the NSW-India Cyber Security Exchange will invite NSW cyber security partners to apply for the program.
Applicants will be evaluated on several criteria including maturity, fit with the Indian market and overall strategy, by a panel of cyber security experts and entrepreneurs who will shortlist ten to receive:
- An intensive program of workshops and seminars at the Optus Macquarie Cyber Security Hub and mentoring from leading cyber security experts.
- Travel and accommodation for a 12-day trip to India, where they will meet and learn from India-based technology company founders and entrepreneurs as well as meet potential clients.
- Attendance at next year’s India Innovation Summit, located in Bangalore on 19-20 September.
- Two days in Singapore at the ICE71 ‘Innovation Cybersecurity Ecosystem at Block71 cyber security start-up hub, which was founded by Singtel Innov8, the corporate venture capital unit of the Singtel Group.
Associate Professor Christopher Doche, Executive Director of the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, said industry, academia and government were joining forces to support innovation and drive economic growth in NSW.
“The entire program is designed to help cyber security start-ups on their journey towards global success. It makes the most of our expertise and facilities at the Macquarie University Incubator and leverages our innovation ecosystem, in particular Macquarie Park Innovation District and Singtel Innov8, as well as our multiple links with India,” Associate Professor Doche said.
Optus Business Managing Director John Paitaridis said, “This initiative focuses on two critically important issues in our economy – cyber security and support for start-up organisations. Cybercrime doesn’t have borders and by enabling cyber start-ups to leverage learnings from India’s high-growth market, we can support innovation in NSW and the development of solutions that will help us address cyber security concerns for Australian enterprises and government.”
