The University of South Wales (USW), Welsh Government and global technology company Thales are working together to establish a £20m cyber centre which will sit at the heart of its Tech Valleys programme.

Economy Minister Ken Skates today announced that The National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) – located in Blaenau Gwent and delivered by Thales in collaboration with USW – will be the first research and development facility of its kind in Wales, and will provide SMEs and microbusinesses a base to test and develop their digital concepts.

It will also provide a research lab in which multinationals can develop major technology, and will connect Wales to major tech centres across the globe.

Not only will the cyber centre help Wales to exploit the global opportunities of digital transformation, it will also equip businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to win a greater share of large regional and national projects.

USW will run an Advanced Cyber Institute at the Centre that will provide a base for major, multi-million-pound, academic research, and will also operate a Digital Education Centre that will enable SMEs, schools and individuals develop the skills they need to protect themselves online.

As well as providing a vital facility for Welsh SMEs and academic research, the NDEC will also root technology giant Thales firmly in the South Wales valleys. The centre will be managed by a small team, some of whom have already been recruited from the local community.

Both the Welsh Government and Thales have committed £10m each to the project which is expected to generate significant income. All elements, apart from the educational aspects of the centre, are expected to be fully self-sufficient within five years.

Announcing the partnership, Economy Minister Ken Skates said:

“I am delighted that the Welsh Government is working in partnership with global technology company Thales on a new £20m cyber centre that will be located in Blaenau Gwent and right at the heart of our Tech Valleys project. “The centre will help ensure that Wales exploits the global opportunities of digital transformation, provide a base for ground breaking research and will equip businesses of all shapes and sizes with the skills and knowledge they need to win a greater share of large regional and national projects. “I am confident that through our partnership with Thales and the University of South Wales we will work to stimulate and create employment in high value technology businesses – an ambition that is right at the heart of our Tech Valleys project.”

Professor Julie Lydon, USW Vice-Chancellor, said:

“USW is already a recognised expert in cyber security, with our Newport-based National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA) working closely with businesses to give students real-life experience in the sector. “This expertise in preparing students for a career in industry means we are ideally placed to support the NDEC’s aim of harnessing academic research and graduate education to develop market insight, enhance technological capability, and develop a skilled labour force in Ebbw Vale and the wider South Wales region through its educational outreach, CPD courses, and support for SMEs. “This project will be a significant step in building the region’s reputation in the ever-expanding global market for cyber graduates and research expertise.”

Gareth Williams, Vice-President, Secure Communications and Information Systems at Thales, said: