SMEs could benefit from new reviews involving approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face.
Tech start-ups and other innovative businesses can now apply for United Kingdom government support to protect their intellectual property from powerful competitors, including threats from other states and hostile actors.
Secure Innovation Security Reviews involve approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face, so they can build thriving businesses which create jobs and support the economy. This could include advice on strengthening checks on prospective employees to reduce insider threats and ensure their suitability for handling sensitive information, and key cyber security measures to guard against common cyber-attacks.
A range of technology sectors operating throughout the UK will be able to apply, from artificial intelligence to life sciences, advanced materials like semiconductors to renewable energy systems and beyond.
Support can help combat the efforts of certain states to steal technological, economic, or military insight, to enhance their own capabilities rather than engaging in fair international competition.
The reviews involve a professional conducting a site visit of the company to carry out a security health check, against a framework developed by the UK’s national technical authorities, the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), part of MI5, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
They will then provide the business with a bespoke report with recommendations for improvement. The professional will conduct a follow-up with the company after six months to gauge improvements made since the site visit.
To take part in the scheme, businesses will need to apply through Innovate UK and contribute £500, with £2,500 covered by the government. Accepted participating businesses can also receive a £300 voucher towards Cyber Essentials certification.
Find out more about Secure Innovation Security Reviews and how to apply.
500 reviews are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the scheme due to run through to March 2026.
First published 21 July 2025.
