Awen Collective

After meeting at the University of South Wales, founders Daniel Lewis and Professor Andrew Blyth set out to create software that would protect critical infrastructure and operations systems for manufacturers.

They joined the Cyber 101 programme to connect to other cyber security startups to find out if their value proposition would fit with others to form commercial partnerships. As a result of the connections it has made through the programme Awen Collective is now in advanced discussions with a critical infrastructure team with the potential to open up a significant opportunity in the energy sector.

Awen Collective wanted to grow its cyber security sector network

In 2016, the cofounders of Awen Collective came up with an idea for a software solution that would protect the critical infrastructure and operating systems of manufacturers from cyber attack. With initial DCMS support of £65k in 2017 through the first cohort of CyberASAP and participation in an IoT Accelerator in Wales, the founders were able to further develop the idea, refine the business model and test it with a client. However, Awen Collective was keen to build its network within the cyber security ecosystem to find out more about what was happening in the market and to find potential partners and new business opportunities.

Cyber 101 offered networking opportunities via webinars and a demo day event

Awen Collective joined the Cyber 101 programme in March 2018, participating in webinars and attending the demo day event.

Cyber 101 is part of DCMS funded activity to grow the UK’s cyber security industry and the capability of cyber security startups and scaleups. This programme is linked to the Develop strand of the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, a series of activities that will be supported by £1.9bn in public investment over the next five years. It is delivered in partnership with Digital Catapult, The Accelerator Network, CSIT and Inogesis.

Awen Collective makes connections leading to commercial partnerships and new business opportunities

As a result of participating in Cyber 101 webinars and attending the Cyber 101 Demo Day, Awen Collective connected with other attendees. One of these connections was able to make an introduction which has resulted in access to a critical infrastructure team with the potential to open up a significant opportunity in the energy sector.

Awen Collective has also received significant interest through a Cyber 101 investment pitch day, and, at the time of writing, is close to completing a seed investment round.