Submissions open for Cyber Startup Challenge 2025

Aims

• The aim of the Cyber Startup Challenge 2025 is to explore the startup technology landscape around the topic of “Graph Analytics Technologies” and in doing so to present innovative technologies to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).

Funding Information

• The three start-ups with the most promising solutions will be allowed to present their idea at the Cyber-Defence Campus Conference on 29 October 2025 in Bern.
• A jury of experts and DDPS stakeholders will select one company as the winner of the Startup Challenge at the end of the conference. The selected startup will receive a contract worth up to CHF 100,000 for the integration of a Proof of Concept (PoC) of their technology into the DDPS environment.

What are they looking for?

• They are seeking innovative solutions that will enhance the value and utility of graph databases. The technical solution does not need to be fully implemented at the time of submission. A convincing PoC should be realizable within one year and for less than CHF 100,000.
• The goal is to leverage graph analytics technology in novel ways to enable more insightful analysis, faster data retrieval, and improved decision making. Solutions should demonstrate clear practical applications, particularly in complex domains that require sophisticated analysis of data relationships, such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or network management.

What are they not looking for?

• They do not seek solutions that require significant changes to infrastructure or that could pose risks. They are not interested in concepts, studies or solutions that are at a very early stage of development. They are not interested in consulting proposals or non-technical solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• The start-up is less than seven years old as of October 2025
• The founders are still investors and actively involved in the company
• The company has at least three employees, including active founders

Selection Procedure

• The start-up must complete the registration template of the call and send the document to the address provided.
• The Cyber-Defence Campus will select the ten best companies and ask for more information and details.
• The top three companies will be invited to give a presentation of their company and technology.
• During the Cyber-Defence Campus Conference, the three finalists will give a 10-minute-pitch and the company with the best score will be crowned the winner.

For more information, visit Cyber-Defence Campus.