NSW Government launches Cyber Security Exchange program with India

The NSW Government is calling for the state’s cybersecurity startups to explore opportunities in the Indian market.

The government is running the NSW-India Cyber Security Exchange in collaboration with the Optus Macquarie Cyber Security Hub, giving 10 startups access to an intensive program of workshops, a 12-day trip to India, and a visit to Singtel Innov8’s cybersecurity startup hub in Singapore.

Niall Blair, NSW Minister for Trade and Industry, said the program will help the state’s cybersecurity startups develop and grow.

“This is all about helping NSW entrepreneurs connect with the Indian market, learn new skills and forge commercial partnerships in areas where NSW and India share challenges and mutual opportunities exist,” he said.

The program is part of a broader $1.58 million partnership aimed at building tech links between the two markets.

The government also earlier this year launched the Fusion Labs Access India Program, a 12 month incubator program aimed at assisting startups to test and launch their product into the Indian market.

With the program looking to work with startups in the agtech, cleantech, and social sectors in particular, Fusion Labs CEO Matt Adendorff said the next few years will see India need more products and services NSW is “well placed” to provide.

The government also facilitated a week-long fintech mission to India for eight startups this past June.

John Paitaridis, Optus Business managing director, said the cybersecurity program focuses on two important issues, cybersecurity and support for startups.

“Cybercrime doesn’t have borders and by enabling cyber startups to leverage learnings from India’s high growth market, we can support innovation in NSW and the development of solutions that will help us address cyber security concerns for Australian enterprises and government,” he said.

Also looking to build links between the Indian and Australian startup communities is the Virangana Project.

The organisation works to find innovative women-led startups in India and bring them to Australia to pitch to local investors and mentors for various opportunities, from investment to mentorship or sponsorship.

Among the startups that pitched at an event as part of Spark Festival last week were Transcell Biologics, which is developing new treatment options for chronic conditions based on stem cell technologies; hospitality management startup V Resorts; and TerraBlue XT, which is creating automated wearables to help predict, detect, and manage various diseases and disorders.