Hundreds of tech startups and other innovative businesses can now apply for UK Government support to protect their intellectual property from powerful competitors, including threats from other states and hostile actors.

Under a new government initiative, up to 500 small and medium sized firms are to benefit from Secure Innovation Security Reviews, which involve approved experts conducting a site visit, carrying out a security health check, and providing tailored advice to founders on the risks their fledgling businesses face.

This could include advice on strengthening background checks on prospective employees to reduce insider threats, or what cybersecurity measures firms should take to guard against common cyber-attacks.

According to the government this will address a lingering security gap, with National Protective Security Authority figures showing 39% of companies have just one protective security or cyber measure in place, and 55% don’t conduct any pre-employment screening of new personnel.

With the security review scheme the government hopes it can help new businesses protect their ideas and innovations from powerful competitors, allowing startups to thrive, create jobs and support the economy.

The support is also being provided to combat the increasing efforts of certain states and international competitors to steal UK founders’ tech secrets, or in some cases military insight, rather than engaging in fair international competition.

In one striking example, MI5 warned UK universities last year that their most sensitive research was being targeted by unnamed hostile states intent on stealing valuable IP.

Although hostile state actors have always looked to recruit insiders to exploit physical access, the government said that these threats are becoming more prevalent, underlining the importance of integrating personnel, physical, and cybersecurity to protect start-ups.

Recommended reading

• UK Leads Europe In Number of GenAI Startups
• Even in Record Low Quarter, UK Startups Top Europe in VC Funding
• UK Unicorns Lead Europe in Producing More New Startups

“States, state-backed competitors, and cyber criminals target cutting-edge ideas and valuable data, exploiting gaps in cyber and protective security defences to launch attacks that can cripple organisations and steal their most sensitive innovations,” warned NCSC CEO Richard Horne.

“Small and medium-sized businesses power the UK’s innovation engine – but where ideas thrive, threats are never far behind. That’s why building resilience is no longer optional – it’s essential for business growth and survival.”

Businesses across the UK’s technology sectors will be able to apply, from those working in AI to life sciences, renewable energy, and advanced materials like semiconductors, all considered by the government as critical areas for growth.

To take part in the scheme, companies will need to apply through Innovate UK and contribute £500, with £2,500 covered by the government.