StartupSecure KASTEL
Cyber Security
in focus
Incubator for start-ups in the field of IT security with a regional and international reach.
About STARTUPSECURE KASTEL
More than an initiative
In order to identify bold and innovative business ideas in the field of cyber security and to awaken the founding spirit in students and scientists at an early stage of their development, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the StartUpSecure program. On this basis, four start-up incubators were initiated at the three competence centers for IT security research in Darmstadt, Saarbrücken and Karlsruhe and at the Ruhr University in Bochum. The driving force behind this initiative in the science city of Karlsruhe are both the KASTEL competence center and the KIT-Gründerschmiede, one of the largest start-up centers in Germany.
This program aims to continuously support start-up projects in the IT-Security field from all over Germany and throughout their entire life cycle. We particularly focus on financing support, qualification measures and awareness-raising on the cybersecurity topics in the line with our network of partners, potential pilot customers and investors. In addition, we regularly organize events to strengthen the networking of our community and create a stage for relevant topics and engaged speakers.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
Comprehensive know-how
Our vision for StartupSecure KASTEL is to be recognized as an information hub and meeting point for founders, international teams, partners, investors and networks on all aspects of cyber security. How do we want to achieve it?
We are aware that the today’s market expectations towards IT security products and services are high. Our 4-stage program was created for those who are interested in founding a company and for entreprenuers that want to scale their businss objectives sustainably. The start-up teams which qualify for this program can expect a solid support in terms of technology development and entreprenuership that is particularly crucial in the early stage of a start-up growth. Our strong network of university, industrial and institutional experts enable your company to tailor your product or service to the market needs and become an approved member in our StartUpSecure KASTEL community.
Networking
Become part of our community
Our community includes not only our supported start-ups but also all relevant stakeholders from industry, politics, research and society who deal with the following topics in their everyday professional life:
#Security #Privacy #ransomware #Kryptography #KI #IoT #Industrie 4.0 #VPN
Our informative events offer all guests the chance for exciting networking. Start-ups and relevant stakeholders also have the opportunity to get actively involved in our community as speakers or mentors in order to gain even more visibility.
ORIENTATION
Do you have an innovative business idea in the field of IT-security but you are not sure whether founding a company is the right career path for you? Perhaps you have already founded a start-up and would like to learn more about the offer and the requirements of the StartUpSecure KASTEL program? We will help you to sharpen your business idea, to network with our community, and inform you about relevant topics and instruments from the field of entrepreneurship.
Initial consultation
The initial consultation is the first step for those interested in founding a company / start-ups who want to find out more about the StartUpSecure KASTEL program. In a relaxed conversation, you and our advisor will find out what you need to be accepted into the program. We will also help you sharpen your idea and give you individual tips.
YOUR FEEDBACK TO THE COMMUNITY
What topics from the fields of IT-security and entrepreneurship are you most interested in? Do you find our offers attractive? Write us your opinion and your ideas and we will be happy to take them into account when planning our events. It doesn’t matter whether you’re still studying, have already founded a start-up or are part of an institution. We are looking forward to your feedback.
FOCUS
How do I concretize my business idea? How can I focus on certain areas in order to be successful in a market? How do I maintain a clear overview? What opportunities do I have? Join us and boost your business plans sustainably.
POSTER PITCH
Are you currently researching on a topic in the field of IT security and privacy or a related topic? Do you want to present your research results on a stage? Regardless of whether it is basic or applied research. We have a solution for you. Let’s talk about it.
Speed-up-Secure
Would you like to concretise your business idea and be supported by experts? Then find out now about the Speed-up-Secure accelerator programme, which is jointly organised by the four StartUpSecure incubators.
FINANCING
Our finincing offer is a pure profit. Get in touch with the StartUpSeure Kastel team and and learn more about your possibilities.
funding advice
How do I finance my entrepreneurial project? How do I write a grant application? We provide information about the StartUpSecure KASTEL program in terms of financing, answer your queries and guide you successfully through the grant application process.
VC & investor matching
You need venture capital for your business idea? Together with KIT-Gründerschmiede, we connect you with venture capitalists from international corporate VC or national VC firms to regional family offices and local business angels.
SCALING
You founded a company – congratulations. But now the work really starts, because a good business idea and an innovative product are no guarantee for business success. Stay an active member of our StartUpSecure KASTEL community and participate in our events either as a mentor or a guest. It’s an investment in your development and a great opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs and investors.
COMMUNITY CONGRESS
Once a year we organize the live event Community Congress for you and each time we focus on a different topic. On 21.03.2024 we will bring our community together for the third time. Stay tuned.
take off secure
Once you have secured funding for your start-up project with StartUpSecure KASTEL, your next big challenge awaits you. How do I implement my research project? How do I find project partners for a pilot project? Who can provide me with answers to technological questions? And how do I keep my start-up going?
Sustainable Start-up
Are you interested in exploring innovative leadership and sustainability strategies within an interdisciplinary team to enhance the resilience of your start-up? On January 23, 2024, we are bringing together experts and start-ups from various sectors, including IT security, energy, and mobility, to collaboratively work on concrete action plans. Join us and shape the future of your company!
Blog Posts
News and Events
Here you will always find the latest blog posts about StartUpSecure KASTEL, with all the news, accelerator programs and competitions, as well as exciting events.
We are strong together
Our project partners
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is the financier of the StartupSecure KASTEL program.
The CyberForum networks the IT-Region of Karlsruhe, spreads knowledge und supports start-ups from the start to the exit phase.
The goal of this initiative ist the growth and organization of an regional platform for the knowledge transfer, exchange of experience and contact care between data protection officers, IT security officers, researchers and practitioners.
Baden-Württemberg International is the central promotion agency for business and science in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. The aim is to make Baden-Wuerttemberg even more visible, attractive and resilient as a location for business and science in global competition.
The team of the Institute of Entrepreneurship, Technologie-Management und Innovation (EnTechnon) is strongly united with relevant KIT-players. Together, they provide necessary knowledge and tools in the field of entrepreneurship that enable to change technological and societal possibilities into tangible innovations.
Together with our partners from the start-up region Karlsruhe-Mannheim-Heidelberg, we have founded the Deep Tech Hub.
The German Accelerator empowers German start-ups to scale globally.It takes high-potential companies on a fast-paced learning journey in some of the world’s leading innovation centres.
Start-up BW is a state campaign of Baden Wuerttemberg that aims to mantain the the competitiveness and the economic strength of this region. Moreover, the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg intents to refresh its reputation as a start-up region on a national and international scale.
The Digital Hub Cybersecurity is the leading innovation community for cybersecurity in Germany. They network players from established companies, research and the start-up scene and create awareness among influencers, investors and stakeholders.
The Institute of Information Security and Dependability represents research and teaching in the field of information security and reliability at KIT.
The Karlsruhe Service Research Institute (KSRI) provides a hub that fosters a powerful digital innovation community integrating academia and industry.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Karlsruhe (IHK Karlsruhe) represents the interests of its members, sets impulses for the Karlsruhe location, networks the regional economy, provides services for its members and organizes events from congresses to networking.
As a competence center, the KASTEL Security Research Labs bundles the expertise in cybersecurity research at the research location Karlsruhe. The goal is to develop a comprehensive approach for concrete application areas instead of isolated partial solutions.
The StartupSecure KASTEL team
Program Management
Kamelia Maleschlijski
#StartupSecure Kastel #Program Management #Events #International
Founder Consultancy
Alexander Graf
#StartUpSecure Kastel #initial consultation #start-up advice #CoEvolutionary Start-up
Project management
Sylwia Wasz
#StartupSecure Kastel #Community Management #Initial consultation #Events