NSW minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair has unveiled a cyber security exchange with India as part of a $1.58 million partnership to boost the state’s tech sector.
The joint program with Optus and Macquarie University will offer ten NSW cyber startups business development opportunities, including innovation summits and meetings with potential clients in India.
Cyber security partners are invited to apply for the program through the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, a $10 million incubator and research initiative from the uni and telco.
Optus Business managing director John Paitaridis added, “Cybercrime doesn’t have borders and by enabling cyber startups 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."
Applicants will be judged based on their ability to fit with the Indian market, maturity, and overall strategy.
Successful startups will 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 to be held in Bangalore on 19-20 September; and
- Two days in Singapore at the ICE71 ‘Innovation Cybersecurity Ecosystem at Block71’ cyber security startup hub, founded by Singtel Innov8, the corporate venture capital unit of the Singtel Optus Group.
“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.”
“The entire program is designed to help cyber security startups on their journey towards global success,” executive director of the Cyber Security Hub associate professor Christopher Doche added.
Applications for the program open early next year.
