UK Gov opens HMGCC access to secret comms technologies

HMGCC is based at Hanslope Park near Milton Keynes and is described by the government as a centre of national security engineering excellence. The new commercial initiative is called HMGCC Co-Creation sees the centre seeking to work with companies and universities more openly than before on technology projects involving national security.

The HMGCC, which was set up in 1938, is a former workplace of computing pioneer Alan Turing, who worked on a speech encryption device called Delilah (right) while at Hanslope Park in the 1940s.

What examples of its current work are offered? The centre cites helping develop tools so agencies operating in hostile areas can communicate secretly. Or creating investigative technologies for surveillance. “In these situations, the devices we create could be involved to help in intelligence gathering around suspected terrorists, or in cases of groups involved with serious crime,” it says.

“We have hundreds of brilliant engineers and technicians here at HMGCC who, over the years, have come up with countless bespoke solutions to enable those striving to keep the country safe in our national security community,” said the body’s Chief Executive Officer, George Williamson.

“That amazing work continues and now we also want to ensure we are reaching out to work more closely with external industry and academia, creating a broader hub of engineering excellence.”

The centre is part of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), falling under the responsibility of the UK’s Foreign Secretary.

If you are interested in working with HMGCC, visit here

Image: Crown Copyright

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