ATHENE Startup Award UP@it-sa

The ATHENE Startup Award UP@it-sa is the most important startup prize for cyber startups from the DACH region. It has been jointly organised by it-sa, the IT Security Cluster and the ATHENE Digital Hub for six years.

Startups from Germany, Austria or Switzerland that offer products or services in the areas of IT security or data protection can apply for the ATHENE Startup Award UP@it-sa. What is required is innovative strength, team spirit and, of course, a convincing business model. The application period extends over the summer months every year.

The idea behind the award

NürnbergMesse, IT-Sicherheitscluster e.V. and we as well have observed that exciting cyber startups have been emerging in the DACH region for many years. However, until a few years ago, they operated somewhat under the radar.

With the ATHENE Startup Award, we have been giving startups the opportunity to present themselves to a jury of experts and investors and to prove themselves with their pitches since 2018. This creates visibility for the innovative power in Germany and actively promotes the startups. 

Find more information on the award website.

 

Award Winners at a Glance

2024		LocateRisk accelerates and streamlines cybersecurity with automated IT checks and compliance assessments for a more secure supply chain.
2023		Quantum Optics Jena is an pioneering company for highly secure quantum communication and quantum networks.
2022		TrustCerts provides european verification service based on innovative blockchain technology – GDPR-compliant, tamper-proof, and neutrally verifiable – available as a cloud or on-premise solution.
2021		XignSys was awarded the best best cybersecurity startup in the DACH region for simple and secure authentication.
2020		asvin Based in Stuttgart, asvin develops and distributes "BeeHive", the world’s leading solution for software supply chain security.
2019		IDEE is an leader in 100% passwordless zero-trust authentication and authorization.
2018		IT-SEAL is one of Germany’s most successful providers of sustainable security awareness culture.