COcyber Batch #2 Ambassadors in the Spotlight: Uzoma Agba

It’s been a full year since COcyber launched its Ambassador Programme, and with two cohorts now completing their journeys, the network keeps growing stronger. The first ambassadors helped shape the dialogue around Europe’s cybersecurity cooperation, and over the past six months, a second group has carried that momentum forward, connecting new voices, new perspectives, and new countries.

As the second round comes to a close, we look back on the journey of our ambassadors and the insights they’ve shared along the way. In this article, we spoke with Uzoma Agba about her work, her perspective on European cybersecurity, and her message as this six-month chapter concludes

Q: Who are you, and what is your professional background?

I am a Startup Advisor with Seedstars and a trainer with Upskill Universe on the Grow with Google Internet Safety Initiative. My work focuses on helping startups, entrepreneurs, and everyday users strengthen their digital resilience through training, mentorship, and practical cybersecurity awareness.

As a Growth Mentor with Google for Startups and a trainer for the Google Hustle Academy, I empower founders to integrate digital safety practices into their business strategies. I also contribute to the Next Generation Internet Safety Initiative, where I train users in privacy, data protection, and digital citizenship — helping them make informed, safe choices online. 

My background combines technology, education, and innovation ecosystems, with a strong focus on cybersecurity entrepreneurship and capacity building.

Q: Since when and how are you involved in the European cybersecurity sector?

 My involvement in the European cybersecurity ecosystem spans multiple levels of the innovation chain. I serve as an evaluator with FundingBox and F6S, assessing cybersecurity startup proposals submitted to Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and other EU-funded programmes.

In parallel, I mentor founders across accelerator and incubator programmes, including Seedstars, Techstars, Google for Startups, and the Google Hustle Academy, providing guidance on product-market fit, digital compliance, and secure growth strategies.

Through my training work with Upskill Universe on the Grow with Google Next Generation Initiative, I educate users on data protection, privacy, and responsible online behaviour. These experiences connect policy-level cybersecurity funding with real-world implementation through entrepreneurship and skills development.

Q: From your perspective, what are the main challenges in the collaboration of the civilian and defence cybersecurity sectors in Europe?

One of the key challenges lies in coordination gaps during major cyber incidents. When ransomware or critical infrastructure attacks occur, such as those targeting hospitals or energy grids, fragmented command structures between civilian and military responders slow mitigation.

Efforts like the EU Cyber Blueprint and MICNET (the Military CERT Network) represent strong steps toward better coordination, but these mechanisms are still in early stages of implementation. Ensuring that both civilian and defence entities can act in synchrony during crises remains a top priority for Europe’s collective cyber resilience.

Q: Again, from your perspective, what are the most crucial steps to address these challenges and strengthen Europe’s joint digital safety efforts?

Europe needs to invest strategically in dual-use technologies and innovation. That means boosting R&D funding under programmes like Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme, and the European Defence Fund to co-develop advanced cybersecurity solutions such as AI-powered threat detection and secure 5G infrastructure.

Bridging the gap also requires stronger collaboration frameworks that link startups, research institutions, and public-sector actors, ensuring that innovation from the civilian side can directly benefit defence capabilities and vice versa.

By aligning resources, priorities, and communication channels, Europe can build a more cohesive and responsive cyber ecosystem capable of addressing both civilian and defence challenges in real time.

Q: Did your experience as a COcyber Ambassador align with what you expected at the beginning, and what are your key reflections now that the journey is ending?

My experience as a COcyber Ambassador surpassed expectations, providing a unique platform for high-level, cross-sector dialogue. While I anticipated engaging with cybersecurity topics, the depth of connection with policymakers, military experts, and innovators was invaluable. 

This journey reinforced that trust and shared understanding are the bedrock of our collective resilience. Programmes like COcyber are essential for bridging diverse communities and aligning our priorities. They are crucial for strengthening Europe's joint digital safety efforts. The impactful connections made here will undoubtedly continue to drive progress forward. This has been a truly enriching and professionally rewarding chapter.