Cyber Local 2025/26 – Grant Funding Now Open!

Do you have a bold idea for an event or initiative that could strengthen the cyber security sector or boost cyber skills in your region? Now’s your chance to make it happen!

The Cyber Local programme, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered by Innovate UK, is offering grant funding to support activities that drive growth in the cyber security sector and help bridge the cyber skills gap.

Submit Your Expression of Interest

To be eligible for funding, your project must:

Address a cyber security challenge specific to your region
Offer something fresh and not duplicate existing initiatives
Be delivered in one of the nine English regions
Run for 3 or 6 months and be completed by 31 March 2026
Demonstrate a measurable impact in at least one of the following areas:

• • Building a stronger cyber ecosystem by fostering collaboration between industry, the public sector, and academia
  • Driving innovation within the regional cyber security landscape
  • Creating new career opportunities for local talent, with a focus on underrepresented communities
  • Developing cyber security skills to tackle the skills gap
  • Upskilling diverse groups to build a more inclusive cyber workforce

We strongly encourage applicants to connect with their local cyber cluster to gain insights into the region’s needs and explore potential partnerships. Find your local cluster via UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3).

Next Steps

Before applying for an Innovate UK Cyber Local grant, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to DSIT.

Regional cyber steering groups, made up of local industry experts, will review EOIs to ensure they align with regional needs and do not duplicate existing initiatives. Only EOIs endorsed by these groups will proceed to the full application stage.

Key Dates:

EOI Deadline: Midnight, Friday 14 March
Steering Group Decisions Announced: Tuesday, 1 April
Innovate UK Cyber Local Grant Opens: Monday, 17 March
Online Applicant Briefing Event: Tuesday, 18 March
Grant Application Closes: Wednesday, 30 April

Cyber Local 2025/26 – Expression of Interest Form

Guidance for Applicants

• Keep your project description concise (max 350 words).
• The lead applicant must be based in the region where the project will be delivered.
• Address all provided headings—missing information may impact your application.
• Focus on why your project matters, who it will benefit, and what impact it will have.
• Provide a clear budget breakdown (projects must cost between £25k–£150k).

For questions, contact cyber.local@dsit.gov.uk.

This is your chance to make a real difference in the cyber security landscape—don’t miss out!