Cybersecurity innovation: InnovaCyBridge Seeks Corporate Partners

InnovaCyBridge programme is entering a new phase: the initiative is seeking companies that would like to collaborate with startups to develop solutions to their real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Cybersecurity is not merely an IT issue, but a fundamental strategic requirement for the operation of organizations. In an increasingly complex digital environment, 

companies need cybersecurity solutions that are flexible, continuously evolving, and closely integrated with business processes.

The EU-funded InnovaCyBridge project, with a total budget of 1.3 million euros, aims to integrate advanced cybersecurity management with startup management education while providing a structured framework for collaboration between companies and cybersecurity startups. The program’s goal is to generate innovative solutions to companies’ real-world business and technological challenges, which can then be tested through pilot projects. Experts from the University of Technology are collaborating on the project with consortium partners from the UK, Greece, Malta, Serbia, and Israel; you can read more about it here.

In the first phase of the program, six partners — known as “challenge owners” — defined their own real-world cybersecurity challenges. They represented a range of industries, including critical infrastructure, the financial sector, the energy sector, and higher education. Following an open call for solutions to these challenges, 20 startups joined the program and developed innovative solutions to the identified problems. Through workshops and mentoring, more than a hundred participants were engaged.

As a result of the matchmaking process, several company-startup collaborations have been launched, some of which are already moving toward the preparation of pilot projects.

New Call for Companies

The InnovaCyBridge program is now accepting applications from additional companies for its second phase. Participating organizations will receive assistance in

defining their own cybersecurity priorities;
connecting with European cybersecurity startups;
and testing innovative solutions through pilot projects in real business environments.

The program offers opportunities for organizations that wish to actively shape their own cybersecurity solutions, particularly if they are currently working on developing their cybersecurity strategy. They can participate in ongoing professional consultations, join online workshops, and work directly with startups to develop solutions.

Applications can be submitted here until June 26.

Rector's Office, Communications Directorate