Inzpire: Partnering for Cyber Excellence

The UK Cyber Team Competition, led by SANS and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), was created to identify and develop the UK's emerging cybersecurity talent.

From October 2024 to March 2025, the programme attracted 1,310 applicants and culminated in a final event in Birmingham. 30 top participants were selected to form the UK Cyber Team and went on to secure top placements, 2nd, 4th, and 11th, at the international ZeroDays CTF in Dublin, in March 2025.

After an absence from international competitions, the UK sought to reestablish a national cybersecurity team and inspire the next generation of cyber leaders. The challenge was not just to find technically proficient individuals, but to build a pipeline that nurtures soft skills, teamwork, and global readiness.

Solution

The initiative consisted of three rounds:

Round 1: An open online qualifier assessing foundational knowledge

Round 2: A timed, advanced capture the flag (CTF) to develop technical and collaborative skills

Round 3: A live final with 198 participants competing in real-time challenges

Participants received hands-on training in cloud security, digital forensics, and soft skills. Personalised performance reports after each round were provided to assess training needs for continued development. Industry experts served as mentors, assessors, and sponsors, making the competition reflect real-world experiences.

Inzpire Engagement

To build a national cybersecurity initiative, the programme needed deep collaboration across sectors to bring together technical experts, mentors, and supporters to guide and inspire the next generation. Inzpire, with its strong cyber and STEM advocacy background, stepped up as a key contributor and programme partner.

"Partnering on such a valuable and prestigious event, that will be a catalyst for cyber change in the UK, has been an honour and privilege." - Inzpire spokesperson

A Strategic and Supportive Partnership

Inzpire brought expertise and a commitment to mentorship, leading the soft-skills assessment and training process. Their involvement provided engagement with participants and allowed their team to contribute to shaping the UK Cyber Team's capabilities.

"Everyone we have interacted with has been a consummate and knowledgeable professional... Inzpire has felt like a fully trusted member of the partnership throughout."

"The collegiate effort that has been shown during this activity has been remarkable. SANS's wholehearted investment in this initiative and the way that they brought together the great and good from across the UK Cyber community was fantastic."

Programme Quality

• Soft-skills training was delivered alongside technical workshops in cloud security and digital forensics
• Participants received detailed performance feedback after each round

"This programme comfortably sits alongside the very best activities that Inzpire has seen."

Talent Engagement

"Inzpire embarked on this activity with an altruism to promote youthful cyber talent. During the process we have observed and helped train some remarkable talents."

• Inzpire established lasting relationships with competition participants
• The programme generated significant morale and motivation within Inzpire's workforce

"Association with the SANS brand and this prestigious UK Government sponsored event also offers excellent market benefits and exposure."

"The morale and motivation generated in our people... can't be overstated. Everyone is energised and extremely proud of what they've contributed and achieved."

Contributions to the Cyber Ecosystem

• 45+ industry partners contributed over £304,000 in in-kind support
• Diversity and inclusion goals were exceeded, with 37% female and 27%minority ethnic representation in the final team
• Participants reported a 4.6 out of 5 experience score; 90% would participate again

Inzpire's leadership in the soft-skills component helped position the UK Cyber Team not just as a technically capable group, but as adept communicators and collaborators ready for real-world roles.

Looking Ahead

While the competition's immediate goals were achieved, the involvement of partners such as Inzpire helped to deliver a strong foundation for the UK Cyber Team.

"All the partners have been on an invested journey with the Team, and they would like the opportunity to continue supporting, training, and being involved in UK Cyber Team's success."

"SANS was an amazing partner who took every opportunity to support us and advertise the benefit Inzpire added. We continually had the impression that they would do anything to support us and ensure the very best for the UK Cyber Team programme."

Conclusion

Inzpire's experience demonstrates how meaningful partnership in national cyber programmes can deliver brand, cultural, and talent benefits while making a real impact on the UK's cyber future.

"Inzspire wholeheartedly recommends that other organisations get involved. This is a rare and excellent opportunity... to promote and train UK cyber talent."