Thales and Welsh Gov partner on £20m cybersecurity centre

Ebbw Vale project will be first under Welsh Government’s Tech Valleys initiative, which aims to create 1,500 jobs

The Welsh Government is working with French-owned Thales to establish a £20 million cyber centre – dubbed the National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) –  which could become the UK’s main testbed for industrial cybersecurity innovations.

Thales, which provides services and systems for the defence, aerospace and transport industries, is no stranger to UK industry, already operating from 12 British locations.

It also invests billions in its cybersecurity products. The group runs the big data platform for the French army, has modernised and migrated the French government’s IT to secure cloud platforms, and offers real-time cybersecurity to the Williams F1 team.

The French multinational will collaborate with the University of South Wales and the Welsh Government to research digital security concepts for the electrical systems used in anti-aircraft and cybersecurity systems, and is inviting SMEs and microbusinesses to test and develop their digital concepts.

The University will also run an Advanced Cyber Institute at the centre that will provide a base for academic research and operate a Digital Education Centre to equip SMEs, schools and individuals with cybersecurity skills.

Both the Welsh Government and Thales have committed £10m each to the project which is expected to generate significant income. All elements, apart from the educational aspects of the centre, are expected to be fully self-sufficient within five years.

Gareth Williams, vice president of secure communications and information systems and Thales, said the centre will act as a ‘cornerstone’ of its cybersecurity capabilities in the UK.

“This highly technical and accessible facility will be a centre of cyber and digital development and education, and a connection for South Wales to major technology centres across the United Kingdom.”