Young startups have the opportunity to apply for Batch #5 of the inCUBE Incubator until April 28 and benefit from individual coaching and a strong network. For the first time, we are opening our doors not only to teams from the IT security sector, but also to startups interested in working on future communication technologies (5G/6G). The Next Gen Incubator inCUBE is specifically geared towards the needs of early-stage start-ups in the future fields of 5G/6G and IT security. Here, ambitious teams can expect a five-month journey full of tailored training and practical support. Participants are trained in the key areas of startup mindset, ecosystem building and impact entrepreneurship. The teams receive intensive support in developing business models, building their companies, developing sales strategies as well as online and HR marketing. They also benefit from a strong regional and national start-up ecosystem with partners from research and industry. Teams of at least two people from all over Germany can apply. Participation is free of charge. The application deadline for Batch #5 is April 28, 2024. Further information and details on the application process can be found here.
IT-Security
New podcast episode on the topic of digital sovereignty
Digital sovereignty is a broad term that can be applied to societies, states, companies and individuals alike. In the latest episode of Nachgehackt, Henrike Tönnes focuses on the self-determined and secure actions of individuals in the digital space.
“Information that we disclose online can ensure that our behavior can be influenced,” says Prof. Dr. Karola Marky. But how and by whom are users influenced in the digital space? And how can they protect themselves? It is also about new approaches to making IT security simpler and more suitable for everyday use. For example, individually designed objects from the 3D printer could make 2-factor authentication a relaxed affair.
You can find the latest “Nachgehackt” episode here:
German IT Security Award 2024: Application phase launched
Innovations in the field of cyber security wanted. Teams and individuals with promising projects in the field of cyber security can apply now.
Since 2006, the Horst Görtz Foundation has honored the most innovative cybersecurity solution in Germany with the German IT Security Award. In the anniversary year 2024, the prize will be awarded for the 10th time. The expert jury is chaired by Professor Angela Sasse, Head of the Chair of Human-Centred Security at the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security at Ruhr University Bochum. Prof.’in Sasse was appointed a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 2023. She is also spokesperson for the Digital Consumer Protection Advisory Board and was inducted into the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2015.The prize money for first place is 100,000 euros.
Teams or individuals from research institutions and companies based in Germany can apply with a short version until January 15, 2024.
The ten or so best submissions will then be invited to submit a long version. The award ceremony for the 10th German IT Security Award will take place in November 2024 as part of Bitkom’s Cybersecurity Innovation Conference at the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE in Darmstadt.
Information (in German only) on the prize and submission conditions here
Survey: How can we trust an artificial intelligence (AI)?
It’s not just since the advent of ChatGPT that AI has been on the rise. In other words, many companies are either already using AI or are planning to do so. But in addition to new possibilities and opportunities, the development also harbors risks – both for individuals and for companies. The question therefore arises as to which conditions must be met so that users can trust AI manufacturers and use their AI solutions with confidence.
This is precisely the question that the Institute for Internet Security – if(is) has been addressing since the beginning of the year as part of the “TrustKI” research project. Based on this, a study is now being conducted to have the trustworthiness aspects that if(is) believes are crucial for users to build trust reviewed.The project team needs the support of user companies for this.
This is an excellent opportunity for user companies to participate, as it gives them the chance to work with if(is) to create the basis for a good relationship of trust between them and AI manufacturers.
Therefore the request: Join the survey and clarify what information you think is necessary for you to trust AI vendors and their AI solutions.
The survey takes about 25 minutes. All data will be treated anonymously.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.
More information on the project.
Startup Radix Security secures StartUpSecure funding
The Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) is funding the Bochum-based IT security startup with a volume of 517,000 euros for one year.
Funding in two phases
In two funding phases, the BMBF supports from the idea to the foundation of a company. In the first phase, the development phase, teams work out how the idea can be technically implemented. In Phase 2 it is important as a newly founded company to concretize the business model and business concept.
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BMBF Homepage for StartUpSecure
Project information: https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/projekte/gprotect