STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

TRL 1 | Pre-seed

The CISPA Founders Fellowship supports researchers and founding teams at a very early stage in developing innovative cybersecurity ideas. The focus lies on scientific insights, technological vision, and identifying relevant security challenges. The goal is to transform research potential into initial entrepreneurial concepts. Typical activities include market and problem validation, team building, and the development of first technological approaches or proof-of-concepts. At this stage, there is usually no market-ready product yet.

TRL 1 - 3 | Pre-seed

StartUpSecure Phase 1 focuses on the technical and commercial validation of a cybersecurity innovation. The startup develops initial prototypes and demonstrates the technical feasibility of the solution through a proof-of-concept. At the same time, target markets, use cases, and potential customer groups are analyzed. The objective of this phase is to establish the foundation for a scalable business model and further advance the technology toward a market-relevant product.

TRL 4 - 6 | Seed

In StartUpSecure Phase 2, the prototype evolves into a deployable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The technology is tested and validated in realistic environments together with pilot customers. The focus is on achieving product-market fit, increasing product maturity, and building initial sales and organizational structures. Additional emphasis is placed on compliance, IT security, scalability, and investor readiness. The goal is to prepare for market entry and generate the first sustainable revenues.

TRL 7 - 8 | Startup

Series A is dedicated to scaling a validated cybersecurity product. The company already has initial paying customers and a functioning business model. Funding is primarily used to expand sales, marketing, product development, and team structures. At the same time, processes are professionalized and the technology is prepared for larger customer segments and international markets. The main focus is on growth, market positioning, and sustainable scalability.

 TRL 9 | Scale-up & Exit

At the Series B stage, the technology is fully market-ready and successfully established in operational use. The company focuses on international expansion, market leadership, and extending its product portfolio. Typical objectives include significant revenue growth, strategic partnerships, or acquisitions. At the same time, exit opportunities are prepared, such as a company sale, acquisition, or initial public offering (IPO). In this phase, the startup evolves from a growth company into an established market player.