Glasgow technology firm to be mentored by GCHQ

Glasgow-based Bellrock Technology is to be mentored by Intelligence, security and cyber agency GCHQ.

GCHQ has announced it will mentor 10 tech start-ups using AI, data science and machine-learning to help keep people safe.

Companies selected to benefit from the 12-week support programme, based out of GCHQ’s Manchester office, include firms which use: AI to alert haulage companies to stowaways in their containers, data to determine how busy trains are to manage social distancing and AI and machine-learning to identify and prevent the spread of fake news.

Bellrock Technology is the sole Scottish company on that list.

The firm's chief executive Adam Brown said: "I and everyone at Bellrock Technology are delighted to be the only Scottish company invited to take part in the GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab. It is an incredible opportunity for us.

“Our selection is a huge boost to Bellrock Technology and a vote of confidence for the unique approach the company offers in delivering data analytics through our Lumen software.”

The start-ups will have unique access to GCHQ technologists and industry experts to improve their products, receive business mentoring. They will then have the chance to showcase their products to a panel made up of industry leaders and investors at the end of the 12-week scheme.

A GCHQ spokesperson said: "We’re pioneering a new kind of security for an ever more complex world and businesses can play their part in helping to keep the UK safe.

"This 12-week programme will give these companies, using cutting edge tech, unique access to GCHQ technologists to help hone their products - from helping to prevent the spread of fake news to countering people trafficking."

The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab is a joint venture with The Landing, a tech mentorship hub based in MediaCityUK in Greater Manchester and global tech accelerator UP Ventures.