This program is designed to empower Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and exceptional MSc students, to transform their innovative research in the fields of information security, privacy, and AI/ML into successful startups. On this site we provide you with a comprehensive overview of the program, its objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, structure, and the application process.
YOU
are a postdoctoral researcher, Ph.D. student or MSc student
have both technical and business expertise
aim to commercialize your research at CISPA
ideally have a promising business case
have the explicit support of at least one CISPA faculty member
and: The company has not yet been incorporated.
WE
pay you full-time for the duration of twelve months
give you 20.000 euros per fellow for software, hardware, business trips, training, and other expenses
organize mentoring from CISPA faculty and the Startups & Entrepreneurship team throughout the course of the program – and beyond
give you access to CISPA's cutting-edge facilities, equipment, and resources in Germany as well as to its global research network
invite you to workshops, seminars, and community events
guarantee you Alumni status and certification after completion
How it works
The objective of the CISPA Founders Fellowship is to prepare the incorporation and finding product-market fit. We help you to acquire the required knowledge, skills, and networks needed to be successful entrepreneurs. The team is given the necessary resources and support to achieve these goals. It is our priority to promote the commercialization of innovative research in the fields of iinformation security, privacy, and AI/ML. We specifically focus on establishing a culture of entrepreneurship at CISPA by creating a community of entrepreneurial scientists that can support each other, share best practices, and will help us build an innovation ecosystem.
fellowship milestones
Build a prototype (“proof-of-concept”) of the proposed product or service. Obtain feedback by at least three potential customers / partners to validate the idea and verify that the business idea fits the needs of the market. The business idea can be refined during the duration of the fellowship.
Develop a technical whitepaper and pitch deck to document the business idea. These documents are needed to prepare for funding opportunities after the fellowship ends. CISPA’s department "Startups & Entrepreneurship" will support the team to obtain additional funding.
Participate in at least two workshops for business planning and/or entrepreneurship.
How to apply
Call for Applications: The application period for 2nd cohort of CISPA Founders Fellowship opens on March 1, 2025. The official call for applications will be published on the CISPA website and distributed through various channels.
Application Submission: The application deadline for the 2nd cohort of CISPA Founders Fellowship is August 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. We will not provide status updates about submitted applications before the final decision date.
Application Review and Shortlisting: The evaluation process will take place from September 1-30, 2025. Each application will be reviewed by a minimum of three evaluators. The evaluation panel will then meet to discuss all applications and select candidates for interviews.
Interviews: The interview period runs from October 1-30, 2025. Each candidate will have a 60-minute interview with a panel of CISPA faculty members and Technology Transfer Office (TTO) representatives. The interview includes a 15-minute candidate presentation and a 45-minute question and answer session.
Final Decision: Final decisions will be announced on October 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified via email.
Program Start for 2nd cohort: The CISPA Founders Fellowship Programme begins on January 12, 2026 with an orientation session to introduce fellows to the programme structure and resources.
