Scottish program to enhance aquaculture’s IoT capabilities

The business support initiative offers cyber security workshops and one-to-one consultations to SMEs and startups with an interest in adopting IoT technologies.

Cade Wells, business development director at CENSIS. Credits: CENSIS

October 24, 2023

A business support initiative, designed to boost the adoption of cyber-secure Internet of Things (IoT) technologies among SMEs, has secured additional funding to reach more companies from across a range of sectors vital to the Scottish economy, including aquaculture.

IoT Secure – led by IoT experts at CENSIS, Scotland’s innovation centre for sensing, imaging, and IoT technologies – offers cyber security workshops and one-to-one consultations to SMEs and startups with an interest in adopting IoT technologies.

Around 40 companies have benefited from the free initiative since it was launched in Spring 2020, with at least 10 invited to take part in the next phase. The scheme will run until March 2024 after securing a funding extension from the Scottish Government.

The program is open to businesses in the process of developing IoT products or services, or looking to implement IoT devices in their workplace. CENSIS will work with each company to identify their specific opportunities and challenges, as well as provide guidance on the adoption of new processes and advise on additional assistance, such as R&D grants.

Addressing upcoming changes to cyber security regulation will also be a core element of the program. The recently introduced Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill includes a regulatory framework for making smart devices more secure against cyber-attacks.

“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for extending the IoT Secure program’s funding and enabling us to continue collaborating with our growing network of SMEs and startups, including those in the aquaculture sector. Supporting companies with cyber security and resilience remains one of our top priorities, helping them to overcome the growing range of threats presented by hackers,” said Cade Wells, business development director at CENSIS.

“We are hoping to make further progress with the program by showcasing the benefits of integrating IoT technologies within more of the country’s key sectors, while also extending our outreach to a more diverse range of businesses,” Wells concluded.