The following interview with Cube 5 was published in the newsletter from the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security at the RUB and gives an overview of the incubator and its services for people interested in starting a business and IT security startups.
1. What is Cube 5 all about?
Cube 5 supports people interested in founding a company and startups at the HGI. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the incubator has been offering startup-know-how, support in developing business models, and in setting up companies since 2018. Cube 5 also supports startup projects and startups throughout Germany in the BMBF’s “StartUpSecure” funding program.
2. I have an idea for a technology or company – can I come to you if I don’t have a concrete plan yet?
Students, PhD students, postdocs and alumni of the HGI will find 5 events at Cube 5 for the acquisition and expansion of founding knowledge – mainly creditable in the Bachelor and Master programs IT Security or as part of the PhD programs. In cooperation with the Faculty of Management and Economics at the RUB as well as with external consultants, we regularly offer learning and training courses for the development of technical solutions, product and business ideas, business plans, etc. Our offer starts already with the orientation about the different career paths and profiles in science, business, and for a startup in order to be able to build up and expand competences as early and goal-oriented as possible.
3. How many startups do you currently support? And how does this support look like?
A concrete number is difficult to determine here, as we also keep alumni in our network. In total, there are currently about six teams that we support, for example, in our “Liftoff“. Cube 5’s offering is particularly targeted at the early stage of technology-based startups. As part of Liftoff, selected teams receive individualized coaching and mentoring as well as the opportunity to present themselves with their own booth at the job fair for students – the “ITS.Connect”.
4. Do you have any advice for startups and those interested in founding a company in IT security?
“Quality before quantity”: They should use their time consciously and not fight their way through the oversupply of events. We consider ourselves here as a “quality filter”, so to say, and can provide feedback on the events that are helpful to the ever-growing startup scene in the Ruhr Area and NRW and on the areas on which the teams should focus.
5. If I would like to found a startup or to inform myself without obligation – how can I get in contact with you?
Wir bieten eine wöchentliche (aktuell virtuelle) Sprechstunde an – hier beantworten wir Fragen rund um das Thema „Gründen in der IT-Sicherheit“. Vertraulich beraten wird zum Seminarangebot und Veranstaltungen, möglichen Förderprogrammen oder individuellen Anliegen.
6. Is it possible to find like-minded people for a co-founding through your support?
Our regular network meetings provide an opportunity for exchange between students, companies and startups. Here you can find a co-founder.
7. How can I get in contact with you?
We are always happy about a lively exchange. Further information and news can be found here on our website. Our team is currently best reached electronically via info(at)cube-five.de.
