Ongoing backing announced for IoT Secure programme, which works with SMEs and start-up firms to support development of connected technologies and will use money to sharpen focus on key industries

The Scottish Government has announced further funding for a programme boosting the adoption of cybersecure Internet of Things technology.

The IoT Secure programme will use the cash boost to expand the reach of its initiatives with SMEs and start-ups across Scotland, with a particular focus likely to be engaging with businesses from growing sectors including maritime, agri-tech, and manufacturing.

Another focal point of the programme will be to address changes in cybersecurity regulations -including the recent Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill – which aims to make devices safer from cyberattacks. Led by CENSIS – Scotland’s innovation centre for sensing, imaging, and IoT technologies – the programme offers workshops and one-to-one consultation to enterprises interested in adopting IoT technologies.

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Cade Wells, business development director at CENSIS, said: “We are grateful to the Scottish Government for extending the IoT Secure programme’s funding and enabling us to continue collaborating with our growing network of SMEs and start-ups. Supporting companies with cyber security and resilience remains one of our top priorities, helping them to overcome the growing range of threats presented by hackers. We are hoping to make further progress with the programme by showcasing the benefits of integrating IoT technologies within more of the country’s key sectors, while also extending our outreach to a more diverse range of businesses.”

Since launching in 2020, the initiative has helped around 40 companies, with at least 10 more expected to join during the next phase.

The funding from the government will allow the scheme to run until March next year.

Launched in 2013, the Scottish Innovation Centre programme works to establish links between academia and industry to ensure research leads to economic and social benefits across the country.

Hosted at the University of Glasgow, CENSIS is one of Scotland’s innovation centres.

This story originally appeared on PublicTechnology sister publication Holyrood