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New partnership aims to help organisations integrate sustainable practices with robust cybersecurity strategies
The Abertay cyberQuarter has announced a new partnership with a tech startup dedicated to helping organisations across Scotland navigate the challenges posed by climate change while also safeguarding against cyber threats.
Founded last year, Smart Net Zero is a team of experts specialising in cybersecurity, compliance, energy management, and sustainability. Their mission revolves around empowering organisations to reduce their carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and achieve significant cost savings—all while ensuring security and regulatory compliance remain a top priority.
Smart Net Zero has established a research office at Abertay CyberQuarter, where up to 15 staff members will operate. With funding secured from a grant by Scottish Enterprise, the team will conduct a feasibility study to develop a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions in buildings. This project will collaborate with key sectors, including housing associations and local councils, to support their decarbonisation efforts.
Danny Carroll, Managing Director of Smart Net Zero, said:
With our base now established in Scotland, we aspire to become a leading force in smart infrastructure engineering, setting new standards for operational resilience. Our vision is to position Scotland as the epicentre of smart infrastructure and resilience, elevating its global reputation. We are dedicated to seamlessly integrating IT and operational technology to optimise efficiency and strengthen security, delivering transformative solutions that enhance cybersecurity, energy management, and sustainability, all while accelerating progress toward net-zero energy efficiency.
As part of the new partnership, Smart Net Zero will benefit from the academic expertise of staff in Abertay's Department of Cybersecurity and Computing. It will also facilitate collaboration with students from the University’s Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity programmes, tapping into a valuable talent pipeline.
The team will also benefit from networking and collaboration opportunities with other partners at the cyberQuarter, including prominent organisations such as the NHS Scotland Cyber Centre of Excellence, Systal Technologies, and ScotlandIS.
Danny added:
We are thrilled to partner with the Abertay CyberQuarter to bring this vision to life. The integration of cybersecurity and sustainability is vital for our future. By collaborating with Abertay's academic community and its students, we strive to develop innovative solutions that empower businesses to securely achieve their net-zero goals.
Director of the Abertay cyberQuarter, Professor Lynne Coventry, said:
We are delighted to welcome Smart Net Zero to our growing network of partners. Their work at the intersection of cybersecurity and climate change is both timely and essential, and we look forward to collaborating on research and knowledge exchange projects that will drive progress in this important field.
The Abertay cyberQuarter opened in 2022, receiving a total of £5.7 million in funding from the UK Government and £6 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Deal. Since its launch, the hub has attracted over 12 partners, including prominent organisations like the NHS Scotland Cyber Centre of Excellence, the Weir Group, and ScotlandIS.
Since its launch, the facility has hosted a diverse range of conferences, industry workshops, and learning sessions, boosting collaboration among organisations to help address global cybersecurity challenges. These initiatives not only enhance the skills of students and professionals in the field but have also contributed to strengthening the cyber resilience of the local community.
About the Tay Cities Region Deal
The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay.
The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over 10 years, subject to final approval of robust business cases.
As of 30 September 2024, over £231million has been approved by Governments and the Partnership for investment and over 2,541 jobs have been created.
This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400m of investment over 15 years, of which more than £180million has already been secured by Projects.
Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website.
