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SUPPORT AND SERVICES

This page serves as a resource for startups, offering key contacts, an overview of our tailored support programs, and guidance on utilizing our startup services — from initial steps to full-scale development. Whether you're seeking mentoring, infrastructure, or funding opportunities, this is the ideal starting point for your professional journey.

THE CISPA INCUBATOR

The CISPA Incubator transforms world-class research into scalable startups.
We support founders from the earliest idea to market entry and beyond—combining scientific excellence, entrepreneurial expertise, and targeted access to funding.

Our support is not a standalone program—it is a fully integrated system for technology transfer. Built on globally leading research in cybersecurity and trustworthy AI, we have established a structured pipeline that identifies, develops, and scales startup ideas directly from the scientific ecosystem. Our approach combines early-stage activation, structured incubation, and long-term support—creating a sustainable pathway from research to market.

Since its launch in 2019, the CISPA Incubator has:

30+

startup projects supported

€10m+

funding raised for startup projects

 

OUR CO-WORKING SPACE

 

To foster a collaborative atmosphere and create an ideal environment for working on business cases, we provide CISPA employees with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as events and workshops. Here they find:

  • secure team spaces and flexible workstations
  • quiet zones and privacy pods for confidential calls
  • acoustically optimized pitch corners for professional presentations
  • two meeting rooms for groups of up to 10 people
  • a Kid's Box equipped with toys and a changing station
  • a kitchen, as well as a workshop area, terrace, and activity zone

 

OUR SUPPORT

RESEARCH COOPERATIONS

One focus of technology transfer at CISPA lies on research cooperations with commercial enterprises, from startups to SMEs and large companies. These joint efforts take their cue from the foundational research at CISPA and are geared towards gaining new insights. 

FINANCING SUPPORT

When it comes to financing, CISPA offers a variety of attractive options through public funding programs such as StartUpSecure and Helmholtz Enterprise. Last but not least, the team will put you in touch with relevant business angels.

FOUNDERS FELLOWSHIP

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.

To accelerate the process of turning innovative ideas into reality in the fields of IT security, AI, and machine learning, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the StartUpSecure program in 2017.

 

 

CONTACT US!

Any questions concerning startups or entrepreneurship?
Please reach out to us! 

STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Jürgen Philippi

Head of Startups & Entrepreneurship

 +49 681 87083 2481

 

Business Development

We help researchers and (potential) founders to identify, shape and improve their business cases to suit the current market/funding conditions.

 

Technology Consulting

We provide advice on the technological aspects of innovative solutions from the early research phase through to production and maintenance.

 

Community Management

We foster a vibrant startup ecosystem by organizing training programs and hosting events that facilitate contact between (potential) founders and stakeholders of all kinds.