The UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has joined forces with UK’s cyber security agency GCHQ and the nation’s leading tech start-ups to launch a start-up accelerator to develop new technologies for combating cyber attacks.

The accelerator will help British start-ups grow the next generation of cyber security systems. It will be run by Wayra UK, part of Telefónica Open Future, with members gaining access to GCHQ’s personnel and technological expertise.

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The accelerator, anticipated to launch around the turn of the year, will be based at a new Cheltenham Innovation Centre. This will be followed by the launch of a second innovation centre in London in 2017.

DCMS will contribute £50m over the next five years to deliver the two innovation centres, an initiative that forms part of the government’s £1.9bn National Cyber Security Programme.

Minister of state for digital and culture Matt Hancock said: “Our two new Cyber Innovation Centres will bring together government, academic and business expertise, and will be invaluable in helping support start-up companies and develop world-class cyber technology.”

Wayra UK and Telefonica Open Future (UK) Gary Stewart said: “Wayra and Telefonica Open Future are immensely proud to be working in partnership with GCHQ on bringing further growth and opportunity to the UK’s cyber security ecosystem.

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“Our shared vision will not only safeguard the country against cyber threats but also increase opportunities for UK-based start-ups and help establish the UK as a global hub for cyber talent.”