© ATHENE

The National Research Center for Applied Cyber­security ATHENE is launching the fifth round of the SpeedUpSecure startup accelerator. While participation in previous years was reserved for projects from the Startup Secure program funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, now, for the first time, all young cybersecurity startups and founding teams from Germany can participate in the program—free of charge and without having to give up company shares. The six-week accelerator program runs from early May to mid-June and promotes the market development of young, innovative cybersecurity teams and their networking with experts and established companies. Interested parties can apply online at https://www.athene-center.de/digitalhub/accelerator until March 31.

The ATHENE SpeedUpSecure accelerator program is one of the most successful programs of its kind. All cyber startups with technology-based solutions and headquarters in Germany that are no more than three years old, as well as teams that have not yet been founded, are eligible to apply. The aim of the program is to strengthen the sales and marketing activities of the participants and to lay the strategic foundations for success and growth. To this end, the program offers the selected teams specialized training, the opportunity to exchange experiences with successful cyber founders, and high-class networking opportunities with technology and business experts. A maximum of six startups will be selected to receive individual support in areas such as cyber marketing, venture clienting, and investor relations.

Strong partners for strong innovation

The accelerator is organized by ATHENE Digital Hub Cyber­security, the only cybersecurity innovation center in the nationwide Digital Hub Initiative. The program is supported by partner incubators at Cube 5 in Bochum and StartUpSecure KASTEL in Karlsruhe, HIGHEST – the innovation and start-up center at TU Darmstadt – and Schwarz Digits. Schwarz Digits is a division of the Schwarz Group, a leading inter­national retail group with around 13,900 stores and 575,000 employees in 32 countries.

„SpeedUpSecure is the only nationwide accelerator for early-stage cyber startups with a focus on deep tech and networking cyber founder networks,” explains ATHENE Director Prof. Michael Waidner. “We leverage the expertise of the ATHENE National Research Center and its 600 scientists, as well as the support of the Digital Hub Initiative for successful market entry and rapid scaling.“

Parameters:

• Who can participate? Early-stage cyber deep tech startups or founding teams with a technology-based business idea and founding location/headquarters in Germany, founded in 2022 or later – founding is not a prerequisite!
• Application deadline: March 31, 2025
• Selection and onboarding interviews: April
• Kickoff: Mai 8, 2025
• Final Event: June 17, 2025 in Darmstadt, Germany
• Location: 2 days in Darmstadt + 6 weeks virtual + networking opportunities in person
• How/who can apply? Online form at https://www.athene-center.de/digitalhub/accelerator