De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has joined forces with digital company Swipe and Tap to launch a project will transform how security testing is carried out for web and mobile applications.
They aim to develop a continuous, automated security testing solution that checks apps throughout their development, rather than only at the end. This marks a shift away from the traditional one-off penetration testing model and instead builds security into every stage of the process.
Aaron Wardle, Managing Director and Founder of Swipe and Tap, said: “We’re delighted to be working with DMU on the project. It’s a great opportunity to bring in specialist expertise, fill key skill gaps within the business and develop solutions that will support our growth over the coming years and help us develop a secure product.”
The work has become the latest Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) to be awarded at DMU. Part funded by the Government, they connect businesses looking to innovate with universities to help them do just that.
By embedding testing directly into the development cycle, the partnership aims to give businesses a more flexible and practical way to manage cyber risks as their products grow and change. The result will be a repeatable and transparent approach that helps organisations spot and fix vulnerabilities earlier, reduce costly last-minute changes, and provide clear evidence of secure practice.
Swipe and Tap builds secure and reliable software for mobile, web and connected platforms. The company develops custom iOS and Android apps, bespoke web systems and integrated digital solutions, working with both start-ups and established organisations. Alongside new development, the team provides ongoing technical support and can stabilise or improve existing systems.
The academic team will be led by Dr Muhammad Kazim, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security and Programme Leader for the BSc Cyber Security Apprenticeship at DMU. The project aligns closely with his research in secure by design software engineering, cyber security system testing and the use of artificial intelligence to support decision making in operational environments.
Dr Kazim said: “I am delighted to be working with Swipe & Tap on this exciting project to strengthen cyber resilience for software and development-focused businesses. The project closely aligns with my expertise in secure-by-design software engineering and AI for cyber security, and will support the development of practical, trustworthy and innovative security solutions.
“I look forward to working with the Swipe & Tap team to deliver meaningful impact by helping embed stronger cyber security into the software development lifecycle for the benefit of businesses and end users”
He will be joined by Dr Mujeeb Ur Rehman, an expert in applied artificial intelligence, cyber security and software engineering, who is recognised in the Stanford and Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2025.
A postgraduate Associate in Application Security will be recruited to work within Swipe and Tap to deliver the project and embed the new capability into the business.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a UK wide programme that supports innovation by linking businesses with university expertise. Part-funded by Innovate UK, it enables organisations to access specialist knowledge to develop new products and services, improve performance and drive long term growth.
The £162,000 project is 67% funded by support from Innovate UK. The collaboration brings together experts from DMU’s Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture, drawing on strengths in artificial intelligence and cyber security.
Darsheet Chauhan, Knowledge Exchange Officer at De Montfort University who supported the project application, said: “This new KTP between DMU and local company Swipe & Tap is set to pave the way for a major shift in how mobile and web applications are tested. By developing solutions that make app testing more accessible and widely usable, the collaboration aims to support stronger digital security at a time when cyber threats are rapidly increasing.
"With web and mobile apps now woven into everyday life, ensuring their security and reliability has never been more important.
"This KTP brings together DMU’s academic expertise and Swipe & Tap’s ambition to transform the app testing landscape, helping the company accelerate innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions to the sector.”
Posted on Monday 20 July 2026