University of Gloucestershire secures £275k to develop cybersecurity platform in industry partnership

Collaboration with Unielectronics will focus on smart cybersecurity system design and provide real-world research and training opportunities for students

Dr. Will Sayers, Associate Head of the School of Computing, Business and Social Sciences

The University of Gloucestershire has received £275,000 in funding to develop a smart cybersecurity hub in collaboration with Unielectronics, a wholesale business operating in UK and international markets.

The two-year initiative is being delivered through a government-backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which connects academic institutions with industry to support innovation.

Unielectronics aims to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and address vulnerabilities linked to system integration with global partners. The project will involve the design of a centralized cybersecurity management system that applies artificial intelligence, data mining, and algorithmic technologies.

Integration and technical challenges

The collaboration will leverage the university’s applied computing research and include the use of its FuturePark facility, a £5.8 million technology space developed to support industry and academic exchange. According to the university, the project is expected to enhance cybersecurity practices while providing practical applications of academic research.

Dr. Shujun Zhang, Professor of Applied Computing and Technology at the university, will oversee the academic component of the KTP. Zhang says: “I am delighted that we have secured this KTP. It provides us with a chance to transfer our expertise in the areas of AI, data mining, algorithms and smart system design and development to our industrial partner, Unielectronics Ltd. In doing so, we are able to address the cyber security issues associated with its special business-to-business (B2B) model.

“Though I have undertaken about 20 Knowledge Transfer projects, this one has particular technical and practical challenges. However, we will deliver the planned activities through close collaboration between our academic team and industrial partners.”

Workforce development and regional benefits

The project will also provide work placement and research opportunities for students in the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate cyber and computing programs. FuturePark, which is designed to serve businesses and community organizations as well as students, will serve as a hub for development and testing.

Dr. Will Sayers, Associate Head of the School of Computing, Business and Social Sciences, says: “We’re excited to have secured funding from Innovate UK for a forward-thinking, solution-driven project that promises meaningful real-world impact for Unielectronics Ltd and deepens our understanding of the cyber challenges facing UK businesses.

“This support from Innovate UK is a clear endorsement of the expertise within our cyber and computing academic teams, as well as the industry insight brought by Unielectronics Ltd. Together, we’re focused on tackling key issues with practical, innovative solutions.

“With the added advantage of our new FuturePark development, we’re well placed to lead sector-wide improvements, strengthen collaboration, and drive continued research and investment in this critical area.”

David Gao, Managing Director of Unielectronics Ltd, says: “I am very happy that the government awarded this project, which will enable us to create a cyber-secured business environment to grow our business in this intensively competitive B2B trading industry.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our government consultant, Mr Mark Matchett, for his professional guidance during the application and to Professor Shujun Zhang and his team, for his month-long day-and-night hard work in designing this project and preparing application materials. I am fully convinced that this KTP will be delivered with fruitful achievements.”