It’s not every day that a small company like ours receives an invitation from the UK Government – or to be specific the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – to take part in one of the year’s most anticipated events, the International Cyber Expo at Olympia.
An introduction to Shayype, and why lost and stolen devices cause so many problems – presented by Jackson Howell, Shayype CTO
But there it was, sitting in my in-tray on the last day of June, an email from the Department’s Cyber Programme Manager Robert Ware, offering us a pod on their innovation pavilion stand, along with seven other exciting new UK-based technologies.
The email spelled out that our pod stand would be part of the DSIT-managed SME Innovation Zone, “to showcase groundbreaking British Cyber SMEs which have taken part in DSIT-funded programmes”.
Ah that last bit indicated why we’d been picked, having taken part in the excellent Cylon (Cyber London) Cyber Runway course run by Plexal about four years ago and our company name was still on the list of alumni.
Anyway, now that we’re back home after two extremely hectic but enjoyable show days, we thought it might be interesting to share just how special the whole experience had been. As a company it was our first experience of a major exhibition amongst big established players, and what a group to be rubbing shoulders with! Also how great to see a government department supporting little newcomers like us!
Walking into the bustling halls of the expo on the first morning, it was both humbling and energising. It truly felt as though we’d been welcomed into a much larger family.
Spotlight on innovation
The International Cyber Expo is all about pushing boundaries and innovating for a safer digital future. Our team relished the chance to share what makes Shayype unique—whether it was our fresh approach to cyber security challenges, or the passion we bring to protecting people and businesses. The feedback we received, both from fellow exhibitors and visitors was nothing short of inspiring.
One of the messages we came away with was that we shouldn’t have held back with our messaging. I did a little bit on the end of the brilliant “tech talk“ delivered by our CTO Jackson (Howell) and on reflection I might have used that opportunity to have a go at the weak and badly-designed aspects of “personal authentication”.
Only afterwards, writing out to the 75 or so new contacts we’d made, did I realise how poorly conceived and designed many of the authentication and ID tools we use every day are. For instance, does entering a password prove who you are – no! (It only proves that someone or something knows the right sequence of characters; anyone could have input those.)
Or does receiving six digits (in plain text!) on your mobile prove it’s the right phone or the right user receiving it? Again, the answer is no! (It could arrive on a hacker’s phone and be received by anyone.)
It made our little team realise just how important our new ingredient technology is – in providing a far greater sense of confidence that the right user is involved in each transaction.
Building connections that matter
One of the greatest takeaways from the expo was the wealth of connections we made. From engaging conversations with policy makers to swapping stories with start-up founders on a similar journey, the event was a true melting pot of ideas and collaboration. DSIT’s support made it possible for us to be there, and we’re immensely grateful for the doors it opened.
Looking ahead
As I write this post from the comfort of home, I feel extremely proud of how far Shayype and our little team has come. The recognition from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is not just a nod to our work so far, but an encouragement to aim even higher. We’re excited for what’s going to come next—new partnerships, fresh challenges, and, above all, continuing to “shape” a more secure digital landscape for the world.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, shared advice, or simply said hello. We’re home now, but our journey is only just beginning. We look forward to continuing all those conversations we started.
