One of the University’s partner companies has recently been named Cybersecurity firm of the Year in recognition of its innovative work in the field.

Cloud and cybersecurity platform METCloud helps organisations to adopt next generation technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)/machine learning, Blockchain and data analytics to drive growth and sustainability.

It received the latest accolade at Finance Monthly’s 2021 Fintech Awards, which took place last week.

For METCloud, keeping up with cutting-edge technical developments in their field is imperative, which is why they have been developing a relationship with BCU’s cybersecurity and AI research teams over the last few years.

The latest phase of this is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part of a government scheme to help businesses innovate and grow by gaining new skills and research thinking from an academic or research organisation. In a KTP, the University employs a graduate or postgraduate (the Associate) to work on site with the company, jointly supervised by company and university staff.

In this case the Associate will work on intelligent enhancements to METCloud’s technology base that will enable them to offer their customers increased security in the face of an ever more sophisticated cyber-threat. In the process, the Associate acts as a conduit for transfer of skills and knowledge between the University and the company.

Professor of Cyber Security Paul Kearney said: “In the fast-moving field of cybersecurity, it is important for academic researchers to understand, and be driven by, the real challenges faced by organisations and individuals and the companies like METCloud that serve them.

“The knowledge gained can also enrich course material and make it more relevant to the needs of employers in a sector suffering a major skills shortage. We look forward to contributing to METCloud’s continued success and reputation for innovation through the KTP project and other aspects of our developing relationship.”

METCloud CEO Ian Vickers added: “The KTP application was a rigorous process and at times forensic in nature but the support from the BCU team was truly amazing and, as a result, our project submission was excellent. “The assessor feedback was extremely well-received with very high marks across all areas for Impact, Innovation, challenge and cohesiveness with the academic team. We are looking forward to working with BCU and delivering a world class cybersecurity capability harnessing AI and ML.”