The Cybersecurity Launchpad is a 9-week hybrid training and mentoring programme designed to help researchers in cybersecurity, data privacy, and trustworthy AI transform their scientific work into real-world commercial impact.
Led by SIBB and supported by a network of 200+ tech industry partners, the programme offers hands-on guidance in entrepreneurship and IP valorisation, with a strong emphasis on market readiness, industry networking, and cross-border collaboration.
Is This for You?
This programme is designed for researchers who are:
- Affiliated with a University or Research Organisation in the European Union, or in a Horizon Europe associated country;
- Focusing on Cybersecurity & Network Security, Digital Infrastructure Resilience, Trustworthy AI & Data Privacy, Secure Software & Embedded Systems solutions, or other related field;
- Looking to uncover the market or societal potential of their research.
Applications are open to researchers and academic staff at any career stage, though the programme is particularly suited to early-career researchers (i.e. PhD, Post-Doc). MSc students may also apply, provided they are actively involved in a research project with clear market relevance.
You do not need a full business plan or team to apply - just a research project, or early-stage innovation with potential. We will help you take the next steps.
How the Programme Works
The Cybersecurity Launchpad is a hybrid programme that combines:
- Online learning over 8 weeks: Weekly expert-led workshops will be delivered Thursdays 14:00 to 16:00, covering topics such as entrepreneurship fundamentals, IP strategy, stakeholder engagement, and funding preparation. In particular, the programme includes sessions on:
- How to estimate the worth of your patent
- How to build a scalable business idea around your research
- How to position your business
- How to attract customers
- How to integrate trustworthy AI
- How to fund your idea
- How to pitch your concept
- Mentorship: Regular one-to-one check-ins to personalise your journey and support your project.
- In-person bootcamp in Berlin: A 3-day immersive experience featuring hands-on workshops, pitching, industry roundtables, and networking with Berlin’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
What You Will Gain
Throughout the programme, you will learn about:
- IP Valorisation – Understand how to protect, position, and license your innovation
- Go-to-Market Strategy - Explore business modelling, customer discovery, and early-stage validation
- Cross-Border Impact - Learn how to scale across regional markets
- Funding Strategies for Deep Tech Projects
- Trustworthy AI Integration - Understand the ethical, regulatory, and technical considerations of AI in business contexts
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
| 22 September 2025 | Applications close. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and we recommend applying early, as places are limited. You will be informed of the outcome of your application within 2-3 weeks from submission. |
| 8-9 October 2025 | Programme launch + online welcome sessions |
| October–November | Weekly online workshops + mentorship |
| 3-5 December 2025 | In-person bootcamp in Berlin |
Meet the Experts and Partners
SIBB is the digital association of the German capital region. As the Berlin-Brandenburg digital association and startup enabler, SIBB is working towards a digital future worth living, through a vibrant network that combines entrepreneurial thinking, pioneering technologies and social responsibility.
For the Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship Academy, SIBB will engage:
- SIBB’s Industry Network (200+ companies)
- Berlin’s Cybersecurity Cluster and Startup Ecosystem
- Cybersecurity Industry Leaders from German Corporations
- Experienced Startup Coaches and Mentors
