ATHENE Startup Award UP@it-sa

Apply now!

The application period is now open. Cyber­security startups from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland that are no more than five years old can apply starting now—the deadline for applications is June 30, 2026.

The award is backed by two strong organizers: ATHENE Digital Hub Cyber­security and NürnbergMesse with the it-sa Expo&Congress. Together, they aim to showcase the entrepreneurial talent and technical innovation potential in the DACH region.

What can startups win?

Cash prizes totaling up to 15,000 euros, sponsored by Telekom Security, NürnbergMesse, and Infinigate. In addition: a live pitch at Europe’s most important IT security trade fair in Nuremberg, granting access to Germany’s leading community for security innovations; visibility on the it-sa 365 digital platform; and, for the first-place startup, special terms for the Startup Area at the following year’s it-sa, as well as a free membership in the IT-Sicherheitscluster e. V.

Here’s how it works: Download the application form, fill it out, and upload it along with a presentation deck (maximum 10 slides focusing on go-to-market). The independent expert jury will evaluate the submitted applications based on the following criteria:

Product/Service
Unique Selling Proposition
Business Model
Marketing & Sales
Team/Skills

From all applications, the jury selects five teams for the final round. These teams will present themselves to the itsa365 community during the digital Preview Day prior to the trade show. On Wednesday, October 28, the nominees will then pitch on the main stage at the it-sa Expo&Congress in Nuremberg in front of an audience and the jury, which will select the three winning startups.  

APPLY NOW

Further information can be found on the award’s website. 

Winners' voices

“The ATHENE Startup Award not only helps us gain visibility, but also builds trust with customers and investors.” Christian Stanke, Founder of Infrafon – Winner of UP25@it-sa

“The jury was great and asked a lot of questions, and we immediately received requests for follow-ups. That was really cool. Go for it, apply for the ATHENE Startup Award!” Lars Moll, founder of NENNA.AI - 3rd prize 2025

“Cyber­security will shape our future, and your innovations are shaping part of that future! Our strong recommendation: Take the plunge, seize the opportunity!” Alex Wyllie and David Kelm, founders of IT-Seal, winners of UP18@itsa

Organization

ATHENE (Digital Hub Cyber­security)

The ATHENE Digital Hub Cyber­security is Germany’s central hub for startup projects in the field of cybersecurity. The hub supports research teams and startups focused on IT security and data protection from the initial idea through to scaling. In conjunction with the StartUpSecure | ATHENE initiative, the hub offers access to funding, excellent research, personalized consulting, and a strong national and inter­national network.

it-sa - Home of IT Security

As a co-initiator, NürnbergMesse, with the it-sa Expo&Congress and the digital platform it-sa 365, provides significant support, including free Company&Product Packages for the five nominated startups, the organization of the final pitches and subsequent award ceremony at the it-sa Expo&Congress 2025, as well as promoting the award through its channels.