Cybersecurity startup, come and join the Cyber Accelerator!

Tehnopol Startup Incubator, together with the Information System Authority (RIA) and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), are inviting startups in the field of cybersecurity to apply to the Cyber Accelerator program over the next two years. The selected teams will not only receive expert guidance but also a funding of 48,000 euros to nurture their concepts.

The core objective of this accelerator initiative is to generate novel products and startups within the cybersecurity domain, thus introducing fresh cybersecurity products and services into the market that can benefit other companies as well. The accelerator participants’ business concepts must satisfy one of two conditions: they should either present cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or focus on bolstering the cybersecurity of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, 5G, and machine learning. Over the course of two cycles of the cyber accelerator, a total of 15 startups will receive assistance in developing their products or services.

“Cybersecurity’s significance grows with every new technological advance, and merely having regulations is often insufficient to identify security vulnerabilities, ensure data safety, or deter cybercriminals. Innovation in the realm of cybersecurity must be in tandem with emerging technologies, a principle the European Union recognises. The Cyber Accelerator, developed jointly with Tehnopol, propels promising and innovative ideas related to cybersecurity into the market and lends them support,” affirmed Lauri Tankler, head of RIA’s research and development department.

Anne-Liisa Elbrecht, the lead of the Cyber Accelerator program at Tehnopol Startup Incubator, emphasised that as companies digitise, they inevitably encounter various cybersecurity risks that require mitigation. “Our aim is to bolster impactful, game-changing enterprises, or potential zebras, and cybersecurity holds a pivotal role in this context. Through the Cyber Accelerator, we’re propelling startups operating in Estonia’s cybersecurity sector and enhancing their competitive edge,” Elbrecht added.

Open to students, researchers, startup teams, and SME spin-offs, the 6-month accelerator program adopts a sprint-based approach, alternating between group and individual activities. All participating teams have the opportunity to partake in a series of cybersecurity training sessions, while lead mentors offer support for team development. If necessary, sector-specific experts, encompassing law, finance, marketing and communication, sales, design, and intellectual property protection, also contribute. Teams can utilise the Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s collaboration center to foster a unified community and enhance cooperation with fellow startups.

Applications for the Cyber Accelerator are accepted until August 24. Further details and applications can be found at https://www.startupincubator.ee/en/cyberaccelerator/.

The Cyber Accelerator is co-funded by the European Union and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.