NSW hosts the largest and most diverse range of cyber security providers in Australia, with significant capability and jobs footprint. We are home to over 36% of Australia's total cyber security workforce, and more than 30% of the country's total cyber security businesses.
Sydney is the world's number one city for digital security, NSW is the only Australian state that explicitly has a cyber focus for smart city infrastructure.
With annual revenue in the Australian cyber security sector forecast to hit $6.6 billion in 2024, the NSW Government has created the NSW Cyber Hub to supercharge the sector's growth. Its programs include the NSW Cyber Business Exchange that connects businesses to the local cyber security ecosystem. An accelerator in residence initiative is open to international applicants and designed to attract new participants in NSW.
NSW is expanding our talent base by encouraging school students to enter the sector, strengthening the skills of higher education students and subsidising cyber businesses hiring new entrants.
The majority of NSW's 11 public universities have dedicated cyber research capabilities, nurturing talent and building the knowledge needed to ensure NSW stays at the forefront of the ever-evolving cyber threat.
Key facts
Australia ranks first in cyber defence
$6.6 billion is forecasted to be spent by international and local providers on cyber security in Australia in 2024
50% of Australian cyber businesses are exporting globally
More than 36% of the cyber security workforce is based in NSW
30% of cyber security businesses are located in NSW
NSW Cyber Hub
The 2021 NSW Cyber Security Strategy is committed to growing cyber businesses in NSW, driving investment, building the future talent pipeline and supporting innovation and research and development. The following programs are included in the strategy:
Supporting your move to NSW
Investment NSW can connect you with a range of services and incentives available to businesses looking to grow.
Investment NSW offers bespoke services to businesses looking to build a presence within NSW.
The team at Investment NSW provides tailored advice on grants, rebates, programs and other incentives your business may be eligible for.
Whether you need a high-tech lab, an advanced manufacturing facility connected to a university or a greenfield site in regional NSW, we can assist.
We can work with you to establish a presence in a precinct or collaboration area suited to your needs.
We provide services to help you find the right accommodation:
- determining the type of accommodation to best meet your businesses requirements
- advice and support regarding opportunities available on Government land (both long and short term)
- support navigating the planning process
We can provide tailored information and data, including local market insights, on our focus areas.
We can introduce you to stakeholders who can support your growth objectives. This may include connecting you to:
- corporate partners
- business chambers
- industry associations
- technology precincts
- research institutes
- government agencies
We offer curated introductions to help you identify local partners, distributors, industry stakeholders and service providers.
Once you have established here, a wide range of services and programs are available to use NSW as a springboard into Asia and the world. We can help you identify opportunities to expand in the region.
Our Business & Skilled Migration Program is highly supportive of NSW’s growing tech industries and precincts. The program attracts new and emerging digital technology capabilities and skills, provides visa and migration advice to businesses, and nominates high potential migration candidates to live and work in NSW.
These initiatives have spurred the growth of digital technology businesses across the state and are available to all organisations considering investment opportunities in NSW.
Contact us
Contact Investment NSW today to find out more about investment opportunities in NSW.
Stay up-to-date
Our newsletter, the NSW Cyber Connect, is the best place to stay up-to-date on cyber security funding programs, international missions, industry consultations and events.
Last updated: May 2024