CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre Launched the Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation (CyberCall) 2024 edition

Up to S$4 million funding awarded to seven companies to boost cybersecurity resilience from CyberCall 2023

1              The CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre (The Centre) launched the CyberCall 2024 (November edition) at the Cybersecurity Innovation Day 2024 held today at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The launch of CyberCall 2024 (November edition) was announced by Mr David Koh, Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA).

2              First launched in 2018 by CSA, the CyberCall initiative helps catalyse the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions. It aims to enhance organisations' cyber resilience and provide opportunities for cybersecurity companies to contribute cutting-edge solutions. Each selected solution that fulfils the eligibility criteria may receive funding of up to S$1,000,000 under CSA’s Cybersecurity Co-Innovation and Development Fund (CCDF).

CyberCall 2024 Call for Proposals

3              Starting in 2024, CyberCall is held twice a year, with the first run launched in June 2024. Today’s launch marks the second run of CyberCall organised by The Centre, a joint initiative between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and CSA. The Centre, which officially opened in July 2024, aims to establish Singapore as the premier global cybersecurity innovation hub by uplifting talent, innovation, and growth programmes. 

4              The CyberCall consists of two categories: Open Call category and User Driven category.

5              Open Call Category: The open call category of CyberCall 2024 (November edition) is seeking proposals in these focus areas: Cybersecurity for Artificial Intelligence (AI); Using AI for cybersecurity; Quantum Safe; Operational Technology (OT) or Internet of Things (IoT) security; Cloud security; and Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PET).

Please refer to Annexe A for more information.

6              User Driven Challenge Statements: In addition, companies are invited to address user driven challenge statements provided by corporate end-users YTL PowerSeraya and Panasonic. The aim is to leverage the latest AI technologies to improve the efficacy of cybersecurity solutions in sectors using OT such as manufacturing and energy. 

The challenge statements are:

•              To develop an AI module that seamlessly amalgamates with current Privileged Access Management (PAM) systems, enabling the scrutiny of PAM session recordings to pinpoint irregularities in user behaviour. The analysis of screen recordings is now conducted manually, and therefore tedious and time-consuming.

•              To employ AI to ascertain the sensitivity of data contingent on context, as opposed to predefined rules, through the use of Data Security Incident Management which requires a tool that autonomously identifies and safeguards data instantaneously. 

•              To incorporate Generative AI into Cybersecurity Incident Management in OT/IoT in developing a cyber security incident response utility employing Generative AI to synthesise the incident details, carry out an impact assessment, offer remediation strategies, and compile a report summary.

7              The closing date for submission is 10 January 2025 and more information on the CyberCall, including the latest challenge statements can be found at https://cybercall.sg.

Seven proposals selected from CyberCall 2023

8              At the event today, The Centre also announced the results of CyberCall 2023. Companies from Singapore and countries such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom submitted proposals, and seven cybersecurity companies were awarded up to a total of S$4 million funding. This follows a rigorous evaluation process that involves expert panel evaluation based on criteria such as the quality of the proposed solution, its wider applicability and benefits, and team competency.

9              These proposals targeted cybersecurity in emerging technologies like AI, Quantum Safe Security, Cloud Security and IoT security. Please refer to Annexe B for more information and the full list of awardees. 

10              Quotes from Mr Christopher Chen, Executive Director, The Centre, and CyberCall 2023 awardees can be found in
Annexe C. 

About CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre 

The CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre, established by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) in partnership with the National University of Singapore (NUS), will play a key role in achieving a comprehensive approach to ecosystem development which consolidates and enhances CSA’s existing talent and innovation initiatives. 

The Centre will enable synergies between cybersecurity talent, innovation and growth industry, by serving as a national node to integrate and create relevant programmes for industry and talent development. It will help build a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem by bringing together industry, academia, individual and government stakeholders to leverage the opportunities posed by digitalisation. 

For more information on the Centre, please visit https://tig.cybersg.sg.  

About Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) 

Established in 2015, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) seeks to keep Singapore’s cyberspace safe and secure to underpin our Nation Security, power a Digital Economy and protect our Digital Way of Life. It maintains an oversight of national cybersecurity functions and works with sector leads to protect Singapore’s Critical Information Infrastructure. CSA also engages with various stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness, build a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem supported by a robust workforce, pursue international partnerships and drive regional cybersecurity capacity building programmes. 

CSA is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. For more news and information, please visit www.csa.gov.sg.

About National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 16 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world.

Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity.

For more information on NUS, please visit nus.edu.sg.

About NUS Enterprise

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at NUS and beyond. We actively promote entrepreneurship and cultivate global mind-sets and talents through the synergies of experiential learning, active industry partnerships, holistic entrepreneurship support and catalytic entrepreneurship outreach. Our initiatives and global connections support a range of entrepreneurial journeys and foster ecosystem building in new markets. We provide expertise and connections to create successful spin-offs and translate innovations into the marketplace through industry collaboration. These initiatives augment and complement the University’s academic programmes and act as a unique bridge to industries well beyond Singapore’s shores.

For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit https://enterprise.nus.edu.sg.