Infosecurity Europe is set to introduce its inaugural Cyber Startup Programme from 2-4 June 2026 at Excel.
This newly launched initiative is focused on supporting the next wave of cybersecurity innovators and aims to solidify the future of the cybersecurity landscape.
Scheduled to premiere at Infosecurity Europe 2026, the programme will foster connections among startup founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers through an engaging show-floor environment.
Cyber startup programme features
The programme will feature a blend of exhibition opportunities, specialist conference sessions, a dynamic competition, and high-impact networking events. The Cyber Startup Programme emphasizes Infosecurity Europe's dedication to nurturing innovation and early-stage development.
A key component, the Cyber Startups Zone, will offer an exclusive platform for startups to showcase emerging technologies and innovative ideas. This area is designed to facilitate direct interaction with potential customers, collaborative partners, and investors. It targets those looking to integrate new ideas, invest in budding technologies, or expand their own cybersecurity enterprises.
Innovative focus
The programme offers tailored tickets for founders, investors, and facilitatorsThe Cyber Startup Programme includes specialised tickets for startup founders, investors, and facilitators, catering to various stages of business growth. It provides startups with resources to become channel-ready, connect with partners, identify new trends, and establish ties with investors and industry leaders.
Brad Maule-ffinch, Event Director at Infosecurity Europe, highlighted the significance of encouraging early-stage development in cybersecurity. "Supporting early-stage innovation is essential to the future of cybersecurity, and being able to play a meaningful role in spotlighting upcoming innovative and disruptive technologies is a role we are keen to foster and grow. With the launch of the Cyber Startup Programme, Infosecurity Europe is creating new opportunities for startups to gain visibility, connect with investors and buyers and use it as a platform to grow too," he remarked.
Programme collaboration and awards
In collaboration with UK Cyber Flywheel, the programme will feature a day dedicated to models focusing on founders and investors, alongside a live award competition on Tuesday 2 June. The Infosecurity Europe Cyber Startup Award 2026 will allow finalists to present their concepts to senior industry figures, investors, and buyers, with the winning pitch receiving a prize bundle that includes an exhibition stand at the 2027 event, PR support from Origin Communications, and branding consultancy from Dusted.
Munawar Valiji, representing UK Cyber Flywheel, commented on the initiative's significance, stating, "Cybersecurity is crucial for the UK to protect its critical infrastructure, economy, and citizens from increasingly sophisticated state-sponsored and criminal cyberattacks. Through the Cyber Flywheel, and in partnership with CISOs, founders, investors and government, we are focused on building a better connected, stronger and more resilient cyber ecosystem across the UK and beyond. The Cyber Startup Programme at Infosecurity Europe plays an important role in bringing these communities together and accelerating innovation where it matters most."
Additional opportunities and registration
The event will also host supplementary conference sessions tailored for startup founders, covering topics such as scaling, market strategies, and sustainable growth. The Founder Conference Track will provide insights and experiences to aid founders in enhancing their cybersecurity brand and expanding in the market.
Additionally, the Cyber Innovation Zone will highlight advanced tactics, government initiatives, and groundbreaking technologies integral to the evolving UK cyber landscape, supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Registration for Infosecurity Europe 2026 is now open, inviting those interested in exhibiting, competing, investing, or learning to participate in this pioneering event. Attendance is free until 12th May, after which the entry fee will be £49, granting access to the exhibition and keynote presentations by leading industry experts.
Infosecurity Europe, the most influential information security event, running from 2-4 June 2026 at Excel, has announced the launch of its first Cyber Startup Programme, a major new initiative designed to champion the next generation of cybersecurity innovators and strengthen the future of the cyber ecosystem.
The new programme will debut at Infosecurity Europe 2026, designed to shine a light on the next generation of cybersecurity innovators, bringing startup founders, investors and ecosystem enablers together through a dedicated show-floor experience.
Combining exhibition space, tailored conference content, a live competition and high-impact networking, the Cyber Startup Programme reflects Infosecurity Europe’s growing focus on innovation and early-stage growth.
Emerging technologies
Central to the programme is the Cyber Startups Zone, a dedicated area on the show floor providing a platform for ambitious startups to demonstrate emerging technologies, share bold ideas and connect directly with customers, partners and investors. Whether hungry for new ideas, looking to invest in emerging tech, or scaling their own cybersecurity business, this is where the future of cyber takes centre stage.
With tailored tickets available for startup founders, investors and startup enablers, the Cyber Startup Programme is designed to support businesses at every stage of the startup journey, from becoming channel-ready and connecting with partners, to spotting emerging trends and technologies and building relationships with investors and innovation leaders.
Future of cybersecurity
Brad Maule-ffinch, Event Director at Infosecurity Europe, commented, “Supporting early-stage innovation is essential to the future of cybersecurity, and being able to play a meaningful role in spotlighting upcoming innovative and disruptive technologies is a role we are keen to foster and grow. With the launch of the Cyber Startup Programme, Infosecurity Europe is creating new opportunities for startups to gain visibility, connect with investors and buyers and use it as a platform to grow too.”
Programme details
The programme will be delivered in collaboration with UK Cyber Flywheel, with a dedicated day of founder and investor-focused content, networking and the live award competition taking place on Tuesday 2 June. The Infosecurity Europe Cyber Startup Award 2026 will see finalists pitch their ideas live on stage in front of senior industry leaders, investors and buyers, with the winner announced during the show.
The prize package includes a free exhibition stand at Infosecurity Europe 2027 along with expert PR support from cyber security PR agency, Origin Communications, and a brand consultancy and Future-Brand Workshop package from Dusted brand consultancy.
To enter, businesses submit a single written entry of up to 1,000 words, including a summary of the company, the product details and competitive differentiation. More details on full entry requirements can be found here.
Accelerating innovation
“Cybersecurity is crucial for the UK to protect its critical infrastructure, economy and citizens from increasingly sophisticated state-sponsored and criminal cyberattacks. Through the Cyber Flywheel, and in partnership with CISOs, founders, investors and government, we are focused on building a better connected, stronger and more resilient cyber ecosystem across the UK and beyond. The Cyber Startup Programme at Infosecurity Europe plays an important role in bringing these communities together and accelerating innovation where it matters most,” commented Munawar Valiji CISO, Cyber Advisor, representing UK Cyber Flywheel.
Event schedule
Additional conference sessions designed specifically for startup founders will run across the event, offering practical insight into scaling, go-to-market strategy and long-term growth.
The Founder Conference Track offers expect practical insights, real-world lessons and perspectives focused on helping founders accelerate growth, such as building a strong cybersecurity brand and market presence and preparing for scale and long-term growth.
Alongside this, the Cyber Innovation Zone, delivered in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will shine a spotlight on the UK’s most innovative micro, small and medium-sized cybersecurity businesses. The zone will showcase cutting-edge approaches, government-backed initiatives and breakthrough technologies helping to shape the future of the UK cyber landscape.
Registration details
Whether you’re exhibiting, competing, investing or learning, registration for Infosecurity Europe 2026 is now open. Visitors can register now to discover emerging technologies, network with peers, and be part of the inaugural Cyber Startup Programme.
Registration for Infosecurity Europe is free until 12th May. After this date, the entry cost to attend will be £49. This includes access to the exhibition show floor and the many theatres where you can see and hear from some of the biggest names in the industry.
