Cyber Runway
Cyber Runway is the innovation fast track for entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups.
Grow. Scale X. Ignite. CNI. NW Net Zero
From budding entrepreneurs with an idea to growing startups and scaleups that dream big, Cyber Runway fast tracks the growth of innovators.
Cyber Runway is the largest cyber accelerator in the UK. It is designed to address some of the biggest challenges facing cyber security, such as diversity and inclusion and regional representation, and supports the most promising innovators at various stages of growth.
Our members keep 100% of their IP and equity, we’re just interested in helping them grow. Cyber Runway is funded by DSIT and is delivered by Plexal.
For startups and SMEs to lay foundations for growth
For scaleups and high-growth startups to blast away barriers
For North West cyber founders securing the UK’s net zero future
For cyber leaders securing the UK’s critical national infrastructure and scaling resilience.
Apply Now
Apply for the next cohort of Cyber Runway! If you have any questions about the programme or which stream would be the best fit for you get in touch with the team: cyberrunway@plexal.com
Commercialisation and personalised growth roadmap
For Ignite and Scale X. We’ll work with you 1:1 to identify your growth needs, opportunities and challenges.
Business masterclasses
Learn from the best on everything from developing a product roadmap to how to raise your next round. All our masterclasses are accessible virtually.
Mentoring and 1:1 advice
Get advice from successful founders, as well as experts in specific areas such as legal, finance and marketing. We’ll also have a chief technical officer and chief commercial officer on hand to support members.
Engineering support
CSIT engineers will help members test new products or features and provide you with advice on technical decisions.
Investor pitches and industry introductions
Get in front of a global network of investors. Our Grow and Scale members will also benefit from industry introductions.
Presentation practice, meetups and peer support
Tap into a community of peers and take part in our regional and virtual events.
Resource library and startup advice on demand
Access a treasure trove of expert-written resources and advice for cyber startups.
International network and global expansion
Link up with regional and global cyber hubs in Cheltenham, Manchester, New York, Tel Aviv, Sydney, Singapore and more.
FUNDED BY
CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2025 GRADUATION EVENT
HEAR FROM CYBER RUNWAY COHORT MEMBERS
The whole program has helped me achieve clarity on the direction for my business, which is the primary thing I was looking for when applying for the program… just not in the way I expected! I feel much more confident about how I can grow my business now.
OSSPREY
Overall it was a highly valuable experience…. the team were incredibly supportive throughout the programme, providing guidance, feedback and connections that made a real impact. The one-on-one support, pitch deck refinement and founder network were standout aspects.
Huntbase
The Cyber Runway Scale programme was an excellent opportunity to refine and work on key attributes needed to raise funding and scale your business – run by the excellent Plexal team and their specialist associates. It was also invaluable to learn from and to collaborate with other start up founders who are in the same situation as yourself.
Ronan Lavelle
Validato
Through Scale-X I was paired with an incredible mentor who really understood our needs at Overe. I also gained fast-track access to our ideal customer profile and potential angels, which helped me close distribution partners that have been transformative at our stage. Another great benefit has been forging close relationships with fellow founders, where we continue to compare notes and support each other both commercially and emotionally. The programme has been hugely valuable and I would recommend it to any founder looking to take their business forward.
Paul Barnes
Overe
OUR FIRST ACCELERATOR
107 of the brightest cyber entrepreneurs and startups took part in our first accelerator. 86% of early-stage entrepreneurs made useful connections, while later-stage companies saw a 20% increase in revenue and a 22% increase in headcount. Members like Meterian and Jitsuin integrated their products after connecting on the programme, while CyberHive made useful connections and used access to CSIT’s engineering team to review its minimum viable product.
MAKE CONNECTIONS. ACCESS OUR INNOVATION PLATFORM
Anyone who applies for Cyber Runway gets access to on-demand content designed to help cyber startups turbocharge their growth. Our innovation platform is also a great way to get to know the community.
DESIGNED WITH INCLUSION AT THE HEART
We think cyber innovation thrives when teams are diverse, and that everyone who wants to join the sector and grow their business should have access to the right support. 45% of our members from cohort one were female-led startups and 52% were run by founders from black, ethnic or minority backgrounds. We’re designing Cyber Runway with inclusion at the heart by partnering with organisations and connecting members with mentors from a range of backgrounds.
JOIN OUR INVESTOR OR MENTOR NETWORK
If you have something to add to this startup community we’d love to hear from you.