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CYBER RUNWAY - NW NET ZERO

For North West cyber founders securing the UK's net zero future

Applications
OPEN

Cyber Runway: NW Net Zero is a regional programme for startups in the North West of England working at the intersection of cyber innovation and net zero technologies. 
 
Led by Plexal in partnership with Lancaster University, NW Net Zero aims to strengthen energy industry security and long-term resilience by supporting cyber startups through acceleration to foster collaboration with net zero stakeholders. 
 
You’ll become part of an ambition to cultivate a thriving regional ecosystem that secures the UK’s emerging green economy. 

NW Net Zero is for cyber startups that are: 


  • Based in the North West of England
  • Pre-seed or seed stage with validated cyber solutions
  • Focused on or adaptable to net zero-related sectors (such as clean energy, manufacturing, transport) 
  • Seeking traction, customer engagement and market access
  • Open to collaboration and participation in in-person and virtual programme activities

Key dates

TUESDAY 30th September

Applications open

FRIDAY 17th october

Applications close

w/c MONDAY 3rd November

Programme onboarding

w/c MONDAY 27th october

Successful applicants notified

THURSDAY 13TH November

First in-person workshop

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Why cyber startups should apply for NW Net Zero

Accelerated market traction: Support for transitioning from validation to customer engagement and product-market fit

End user connections: Direct access to net zero industry stakeholders across clean energy, aerospace, electrification, and green data centres

Investor introductions: Exposure to capital networks to support growth and scale

Peer learning and mentorship: Virtual huddles, WhatsApp cohort group and monthly 1:1 check-ins for ongoing support

Challenge-led innovation: Co-creation workshops with end users to refine solutions against real-world challenges