Belfast company launches UK and Ireland’s first Cyber Battle competition
Cyberspark has announced the launch of the UK and Ireland’s first Cyber Battle competition, an initiative aimed at positioning Northern Ireland as a global leader in cyber security, education and workforce development.
Copied to clipboard
Above: (left to right) George Bathurst, Head of Cyber Education / Business Consultancy at Cyberspark, Richard Coates, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberspark, Minister Paul Givan, Department of Education and Denny Vitty, Director of Cyberspark.
Courtesy Cyberspark / NAKEDPR
The launch of the Cyber Battle marks the first phase in Cyberspark’s larger strategy to establish the region as a cyber hub and drive significant economic expansion. According to a 2023 report issued by Queen’s University, Belfast, the sector already contributes over £237 million to the local economy, signalling rapid growth potential.
Currently welcoming registrations, the Cyber Battle competition will run a series of bootcamps over the next six to eight months, culminating in an exciting live final in the autumn. Open to school pupils, students, apprentices or anyone aged between 14 and 24-years-old with an interest in learning about cybersecurity, teams will be challenged to defend against simulated cyber-attacks, with 10 teams progressing to the final.
“This initiative is all about showcasing Northern Ireland’s capabilities in cyber security while providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in the modern world,” explained Richard Coates, Chief Executive Officer at Cyberspark.
“Our aim is to highlight what Northern Ireland can achieve on a global stage, building on the strong foundation of our excellent education system. By enhancing and expanding opportunities, we can better prepare young people for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Cyber security is constantly evolving, and by investing in skills development now, we can ensure Northern Ireland remains at the forefront of the sector.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said: “Ensuring our children and young people are digitally literate and equipped to succeed in a digital world is important for both our present and future. In an era dominated by technological advancements, equipping students with digital proficiency is imperative for their success in education, the workplace and in life."
The Minister Paul Givan recognises the importance of education to achieve both academic and economic growth. He recently announced TransformED NI – a comprehensive strategy for Educational Excellence through the transformation of teaching and learning in Northern Ireland. This seeks to meet the educational needs of all children and young people in an ever-changing world – in which digital skills and resources for our pupils and our teachers can play an important part.
Richard concluded: “We’re very excited to be launching the UK and Ireland’s first Cyber Battle and I have no doubt that the talent on display will be immense. This competition is more than just a test of skills, it’s a practical training ground for the next generation of cyber security professionals, ensuring they are equipped to manage the challenges of a digital era.”
For more information, visit the website: www.cyberspark.group
Copied to clipboard
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.
Similar Reads
1
2
3
Sign up for our newsletter. Select all sectors relevant to you.
Related
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Connected Places Catapult is seeking UK SMEs to develop and test technologies at Glasgow Airport, with up to £30,000 available for selected innovators.
UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
The Wolverhampton capability builds on elecTRAS experience from the Airbus A350 while strengthening UK expertise in more-electric aircraft systems.
Zenix Aerospace to make international airshow debut at Farnborough
Zenix Aerospace to make international airshow debut at Farnborough
Birmingham-headquartered Zenix Aerospace will make its first international airshow appearance as an independent company at Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
UK awards £3.16m contracts for low-cost drone interceptor programme
UK awards £3.16m contracts for low-cost drone interceptor programme
Why the UK is joining other leading European countries to develop joint, scalable, affordable, and sovereign drone interceptors as drones proliferate.
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX is broadening the use of its electric aerospace powertrain technology into mission-critical energy applications including defence, space, data centres and mobility.
Uplift360 wins Luxembourg defence framework for advanced materials
Uplift360 wins Luxembourg defence framework for advanced materials
Uplift360 has secured a multi-year framework agreement with Luxembourg’s Directorate of Defence to support a sovereign European supply chain for advanced materials.
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems has completed its acquisition of ALL.SPACE, bringing multi-orbit terminal technology together with space infrastructure and mission operations capability.
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX is broadening the use of its electric aerospace powertrain technology into mission-critical energy applications including defence, space, data centres and mobility.
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The UK Space and Defence Gateway has officially opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, creating a new hub for collaboration across government, industry, academia and investors.
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
ADS says the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors remain resilient, but rising costs, finance pressures and supply chain constraints mean government commitments must now translate into action.
CRP Group launches UniqTrust for additive manufacturing traceability
CRP Group launches UniqTrust for additive manufacturing traceability
CRP Group has launched CRP UniqTrust, a digital identity system designed to improve traceability and authentication for components made using its Windform composites.
Logiq launches DISX Isolate for high-assurance defence operations
Logiq launches DISX Isolate for high-assurance defence operations
Logiq has launched DISX Isolate, a standalone secure workspace designed for organisations handling sensitive information in deliberately disconnected environments.