The National Digital Exploitation Centre

The National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC), is a digital hub in Ebbw Vale, co-developed by the Welsh Government, the University of South Wales and Thales. 

The centre exists as a cornerstone of Thales’ cyber capabilities within the UK and aims to support the Welsh Government’s programme of digital investment and transformation. It does this by providing support, training and project space to large organisations, SMEs and individuals, research and development opportunities, and by helping to win work-share within Wales.

The first research and development facility of its kind in Wales provides the perfect setting for SMEs and microbusinesses to test and develop their digital concepts while big multinationals can benefit from use of the research lab to develop major technology advances and exploit the global opportunities of digital transformation.

NDEC has already won work for Wales from Innovate UK and the UK Government, and is working with companies from Europe and overseas, including GE Steam Power and TT Electronics, as well as Welsh companies such as Protecht and Awen Collective.

We are very pleased to be working with the Welsh Government, 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, whilst also providing a catalyst for regeneration in the region.

This highly technical and accessible facility will be a centre of cyber and digital development and education, and a connection for South Wales to major technology centres across the United Kingdom.

^{Gareth Williams, Vice President, Secure Communications and Information Systems at Thales}
 

The NDEC offers a variety of technologies and services all under one roof, designed to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and large organisations alike. Our state-of-the-art facility consists of four main areas:

The Cybels Lab Provides businesses and organisations access to resources to design, develop and integrate their products and services, risk-free, with the aim of supporting regional business growth.	The project zone Where businesses and individuals can get hands-on with technology in a well-equipped and secure environment, in conjunction with the Digital Trust environment.	A digital education centre In collaboration with the University of South Wales, the NDEC runs an education an outreach project which works with schools, the community, and SMEs to promote the cyber industry and upskill individuals in cyber hygiene.	An advanced cyber institute This area works to secure external funding for academia, and provides an environment that stimulates new designs and turns good ideas into deliverable products and services.

Within easy access of the M4 and major transport hubs, the NDEC is housed on the site of the former Ebbw Vale steelworks. The award-winning building stretches over 500 square metres, and encompasses a number of low carbon and sustainable technologies, giving it a BREEAM Excellent rating. These include air source heat pumps, solar thermals, photovoltaic panels, electric car charging points, natural ventilation and day lighting.

Through the use of locally sourced materials, the building boasts a high-performance envelope, very good natural lighting conditions, low embodied energy and low energy consumption, making it both a planet-friendly and attractive environment to be in.

The NDEC is accessed by people from all walks of life, with a wide range of digital abilities. From local residents keen to learn more about digitisation and young people exploring technology as a career option; to SME owners hoping to expand their businesses and multi-national corporations investing heavily in ground-breaking innovation. The NDEC acts as a central hub for everyone involved – or simply curious about – digital trust and technology.

Our services are free at the point of use (with the exception of the state-of-the-art project zone, which is chargeable per user), and run by a team of experienced, passionate technology enthusiasts equipped with all the knowledge and skills needed to ensure everyone is empowered to learn, grow and advance in the digital revolution. Please get in touch to find out how you can work with the NDEC.