CyberFirst overview

CyberFirst is a government-backed outreach and education programme designed to create opportunities for talented young people in future-focused tech careers. CyberFirst supports students from all backgrounds to consider a career in tech – including cyber security, AI, quantum computing, software, data and more.

Image with text This is a CyberFirst world

CyberFirst gets bigger….much bigger as it moves to DSIT TechFirst

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement at London Tech Week on 8^th June 2025, the UK Government will invest £187 million embedding AI and technology throughout education. The TechFirst programme will be delivered by Department of Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and is based in large parts on the successful NCSC CyberFirst programme.

Over the next few months readers will notice an increase in the use of TechFirst as both the CyberFirst Girls Competition and the undergraduate Bursary gradually become the responsibility of DSIT to deliver.

TechYouth £24 million	1 million secondary school pupils by 2028 Introduce digital and AI skills early via school-based learning and online platforms Builds on existing initiatives like CyberFirst Girls' competition and CyberFirst Explorers
TechGrad £96.8 million	Supports 1,000 undergraduates per year in AI, Cyber, Quantum and Computer Science Focuses on expanding access to higher education in key technology disciplines Builds on current CyberFirst Bursary model
TechExpert £48.4 million	Provides £10k grants to 500 PhD students annually Encourages advanced research in AI, Quantum, Cyber and related technology fields
TechLocal £18 million	Offers community level seed funding Regional panels select local providers to deliver training and outreach Designed to ensure equitable access to tech education across the UK

About CyberFirst

CyberFirst is a programme of opportunities to help young people explore their passion for cyber and emerging tech – and discover where it could take them.

CyberFirst offers a wide range of opportunities – including a university bursary scheme, a girls-only competition, opportunities to attend free events and courses across the UK and recognition of a growing eco-system of CyberFirst Schools and Colleges initiative.

Each CyberFirst activity is designed to unlock potential, break down barriers, and welcome a more diverse generation into tech. Whether you’re a problem-solver, a creative thinker, or simply curious about the future, CyberFirst gives you the skills, experience, and support to thrive – and to help shape the UK’s digital future and make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Got questions? Let’s talk.

If you’d like to know more about CyberFirst or have any questions, we’re here to help. Get in touch via our general enquiries.

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CyberFirst Social Value Report 2026

Report highlights CyberFirst’s broader contribution to cyber industry, social mobility, diversity, and community development. Review was conducted by the NCSC in collaboration with Social Value Business (SVB).