Cardiff AI Security Firm Aventail Secures Welsh Government Funding for Mobile Innovation
Cardiff-based Aventail has received Welsh Government funding via the SMART programme to develop secure AI routing technology for mobile devices and enterprise applications.
Cardiff-based artificial intelligence company Aventail, formerly known as Locai, has secured funding from the Welsh Government to advance its AI routing and orchestration technology. The investment will support the development of secure tools for mobile applications and devices, allowing businesses greater control over where and how their AI workloads are processed.
The grant was awarded through the Welsh Government’s SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme. Aventail will utilise the funds to further develop and test its technology from its base at Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, preparing for wider commercial deployment. This move aligns with the national AI Plan for Wales, which aims to establish the country as a hub for safe and responsible AI innovation.
Joseph Ward, CEO and Head of Product at Aventail, stated: “AI is going to become fundamental to how organisations operate, but businesses shouldn’t have to give up control of their data in order to use it.” He added: “We’re building the security layer that allows organisations to use the best AI technology available while maintaining control over how their information is accessed, processed and governed.”
Ward emphasised the growing importance of AI sovereignty, noting: “There is a much bigger conversation emerging around AI sovereignty and the infrastructure countries need to participate in the AI economy on their own terms.” It’s exciting to be building that technology here in Wales, and the Welsh Government’s support will help us accelerate that work.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, confirmed the government’s commitment to the sector. He said: “The Welsh Government is firmly committed to positioning Wales as a leading destination for AI technology by continuing to develop the right conditions and ecosystem for businesses like Aventail to innovate and succeed.”
Price highlighted the broader economic goals behind the investment, stating: “Our SMART Flexible Innovation Support helps Welsh organisations develop ideas into new services and ways of working, and explore opportunities for growth.” This is a key part of our ambitious mission to halve Wales’ productivity gap with the rest of the UK and unleash the full potential of the Welsh economy.
Eli Nathan
Eli Nathan covers Wales news, politics, community stories, and sports for The National Wales (thenational.wales).
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