The Welsh government is working with global technology company Thales to establish a £20 million cyber centre that will be at the heart of its Tech Valleys programme.

The National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) will be the first R&D facility of its kind in Wales, giving SMEs and ‘micro’ businesses the opportunity to test and develop digital concepts.

It will also provide a research lab in which big multi-nationals can work on major technology advances, and it will connect Wales to major tech centres across the UK — and world-wide.

The NDEC (www.ndec.org.uk) will 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 projects — both regional and national.

Located in Blaenau Gwent, it will be ‘delivered’ by Thales in collaboration with the University of South Wales (USW), which will run an Advanced Cyber Institute at the centre and operate a Digital Education Centre to help SMEs, schools and individuals protect themselves on-line.

As well as providing a vital facility for Welsh SMEs and academic research, the NDEC will root technology giant Thales firmly in the South Wales valleys.

It will be managed by a small team, some of whom have already been recruited from the local community.

The Welsh government and Thales have each committed £10 million to the project, which is expected to generate a significant income. All elements — apart from the educational side of the venture — are expected to be self-sufficient within five years.

Gareth Williams (pictured), Thales vice-president (secure communications and information systems), said: “We are very pleased to be working with the Welsh government, the University of South Wales and Blaenau Gwent Council to develop and deliver the NDEC.

“This will act as a cornerstone of our cyber security capabilities in the UK, providing a test-bed for our technology and a catalyst for regeneration in the region.”