The application period for the ATHENE Startup Award UP26@it-sa opens on 1 June: Young companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland that are developing innovative solutions for IT security and data protection, and which are no more than five years old, now have until 30 June to apply for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards. The winners stand to receive prize money totalling 15,000 euros and the chance to make valuable industry contacts.

Who are the best cybersecurity start-ups in the DACH region?

An independent expert jury comprising representatives from research, industry and associations will review all applications and select five finalist teams. These teams will present themselves to the public at the it-sa Digital Preview Day and then take to the main exhibition stage in Nuremberg for the final pitch event on October 28, 2026. All five finalists will also benefit from a one-year free listing on the it-sa 365 digital platform.

“Through the ATHENE Startup Award, we not only gain attention but also the trust of customers and investors,” says Christian Stanke, co-founder of Infrafon, last year’s winner.

All start-ups focusing on cyber security or data protection that have their main or founding location in the DACH region and are no more than five years old are eligible to apply. Further information and the application form can be found at: https://www.itsa365.de/de-de/actions-events/events/up-award#bewerben

About the Award

The ATHENE Startup Award is an initiative of ATHENE, the National Research Centre for Applied Cyber­security, and it-sa. It is aimed at founders whose products advance the digital security of businesses and organisations. The award recognises outstanding achievements by young companies in the field of IT security and data protection and will be presented for the ninth time on October 28, 2026 at the it-sa Expo&Congress – Europe’s leading trade fair for IT security – in Nuremberg.

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