Lancaster University: Lancaster takes leading role in new facility to drive growth and innovation in digital security in Manchester

The development – for which Lancaster is the lead academic partner – will help foster innovation and growth in the UK’s digital and cyber security sectors, with aims to support 500 new start-ups and create more than 1,000 jobs locally.

The DiSH is headquartered in an 11,000 square foot state-of the-art space in Heron House in the city centre, but is accessible virtually from anywhere. The site includes co-working or private office space for businesses and entrepreneurs and provides access to networking opportunities, business growth programmes and industry expert mentors.

The consortium of partners appointed by Manchester City Council to create the DiSH, including Lancaster University, BarclaysEagle Labs – in partnership with Plexal – and The University of Manchester, are also providing a range of cyber and digital educational initiatives from the site.

Professor Daniel Prince, Professor in Cyber Security and Skills Lead for Lancaster’s new £19m Security and Protection Science initiative, said: “It was fantastic to see so many engaged cyber security professionals in one room for the launch of the DiSH, all committed to the protection of the UK and its citizens and creating a cyber security powerhouse in the North West.

“We are very excited to be working with our DiSH partners to support the growth of the cyber community in the region. This represents the next step in supporting the development of the emergent North West Cyber Corridor and the creation of a thriving regional cyber research and innovation ecosystem.

“As the leading University in the region recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre, the DiSH will further enable Lancaster to more effectively engage across the entire corridor – from GCHQ’s headquarters in Manchester, at which the DiSH is co-located, through Samlesbury, the home of the new National Cyber Force, to Lancaster and beyond.”

The DiSH will offer training and support for businesses, industry leaders and employees through workshops and seminars to upskill more than 1,000 people in the next five years to help them access opportunities in the growing sector, with a focus on deprived local communities to promote social mobility through innovation.

In addition, DiSH will inspire and educate the future workforce by offering cyber and digital skills workshops working with local primary schools, colleges and employers.