Northrop, UMBC partner to create cybersecurity incubator

Northrop Grumman Corp. and the University of Maryland Baltimore County Research Park Corp. have unveiled plans to create a new incubator that will focus on developing technology to protect against a growing range of cyber threats.

Called the Northrop Grumman Cync Program, the partnership will build on UMBC’s business incubation framework by offering a “scholarship program” for companies with the most promising cybersecurity ideas, the university announced today.

Participants will draw on UMBC’s research expertise and Northrop Grumman's resources to develop tools that will secure and protect computer hardware, software and networks vital to national defense.

The Cync Program will accept applications from high-potential, early-stage companies nationwide that are looking to commercialize and develop their technologies.

The companies will collaborate in the Advantage Incubator at the UMBC Research and Technology Park in Baltimore.

Northrop Grumman Corp., of Los Angeles, ranks No. 2 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.