Applications open for Cyber Accelerator Program (Estonia)

In the Cyber Accelerator program, they provide support to startups with innovative ideas, enabling them to create products and services that safeguard companies from the cyber threats arising from digitalisation and the adoption of new technologies. They eagerly welcome teams to the accelerator who are focused on developing services or solutions aimed at protecting companies in cyberspace.

The program caters to early-stage cybersecurity startups and spin-off companies, offering assistance in product and business development. This facilitates the launch of new cybersecurity products and services that provide broader value to other sectors as well.

They welcome student teams, researchers, startup entrepreneurs, and SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) spin-off teams to join the accelerator.

Priority Areas

• All product and service ideas in the field of cybersecurity are welcome to apply. However, preference will be given to solutions that contribute to the development of the following priority areas highlighted by the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA):
  • Automation of cybersecurity processes
  • Application of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity
  • Prevention and mitigation of social engineering
  • Tools and strategies for transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms
  • Ensuring the cybersecurity of space technologies

Benefits

• Each team selected to the accelerator receives a €60,000 grant to develop their idea!
• The companies selected for the accelerator will go through a structured development process that supports both technical and business growth. This process includes the following key development cycles:
  • Defining customer problems and designing a value proposition based on their needs
  • Building a business model and assembling a strong team
  • Product development and prototyping
  • Intellectual property protection and agreements with other stakeholders
  • Achieving investor readiness and exploring funding opportunities
  • Market entry strategy and preparation for piloting

Structured Development Process

• The companies selected for the accelerator will go through a structured development process that supports both technical and business growth. This process includes the following key development cycles:
  • Defining customer problems and designing a value proposition based on their needs
  • Building a business model and assembling a strong team
  • Product development and prototyping
  • Intellectual property protection and agreements with other stakeholders
  • Achieving investor readiness and exploring funding opportunities
  • Market entry strategy and preparation for piloting

Eligibility Criteria

• The company’s business idea must meet one of the two criteria:
  • state-of-the-art cybersecurity solution for the private sector (notably SMEs)
  • cybersecurity of emerging technologies
• To apply, the following requirements must be met:
  • Scalable business idea focused on cybersecurity
  • Competent team with the necessary skills
  • Minimum viable product (MVP) or the ability to develop one during the accelerator program
  • Registered company in Estonia (e-residents and startup visa owners are also eligible)

For more information, visit Tehnopol Startup Incubator.