In an era where IT security, data protection, and the trustworthiness of AI are paramount for a secure digital future, the SIBB Incubator emerges as a key program fostering innovation, sustainability, and responsibility. It focuses on critical areas such as cybersecurity, creating a resilient society, and developing trustworthy AI. The program is designed to support early-stage startups that are committed to bringing digital technologies to market in a responsible and scalable manner.
Program Overview
• Program Focus: The incubator's content is centered on cybersecurity, resilient society, and trustworthy AI.
• Program Structure: An intensive 10-month program that combines training, coaching, mentoring, and financing.
• Target Audience: The program seeks early-stage startups focused on strengthening cyber resilience, developing trustworthy AI, advancing key digital technologies, and creating solutions for a livable digital future. It is looking for founding teams who want to develop a scalable business model based on their expertise and enter the market.
Funding and Benefits
• Financial Support: Up to €100,000 in funding per startup.
• Founder Stipend: €2,500 per month for each founder.
• Program Duration: The program has a 10-month term.
• Team Size: Teams should consist of 2–4 people.
• Investment Terms: The funding is equity-free and no-risk.
• Workspace: Participants gain access to a Berlin-based community workspace.
Program Offerings
• Workshops: Participants will engage in hands-on Entrepreneurship Workshops.
• Coaching: Individual business coaching is provided to each team.
• Mentoring: Access to mentoring by experienced entrepreneurs.
• Go-to-Market Support: The program offers support with go-to-market strategies and securing further funding.
• Network Access: Startups gain access to the extensive SIBB network, which includes contacts in business, technology, and politics.
• Program Goal: The primary objective is to facilitate a successful market entry for participating startups.
Eligibility and Application Details
• Applicant Stage: The program is for teams that have not yet entered the market.
• Solution Type: Applicants should have digital or deep tech solutions.
• Focus Areas: Solutions should focus on cybersecurity, AI, smart infrastructure, green digital, digital health, or smart manufacturing.
• Team Composition: Startups must have 2–4 founders.
• Diversity: Teams with diverse and international backgrounds are welcome.
• Cohort Size: Each cohort is limited to 8 startups.
• Application Deadline: Applications are open until May 4, 2026.
• Program Start Date: The program commences on June 1, 2026.
• Application Status: The application phase will begin shortly, and interested parties can secure a place on the pre-registration list.
Contact and Funding Information
• Ron Reckin: Head of the SIBB Incubator (ron@sibb.de)
• Etta Dannemann: Incubator Program & Startup Coach (etta@sibb.de)
• Mario Liebrenz: Senior Program Manager (mario@sibb.de)
• Funding Sources: The SIBB Incubator is funded by the European Union (European Social Fund Plus) and the State of Berlin.
This program presents a comprehensive opportunity for courageous founders aiming to address the new demands on innovation created by cyberattacks, AI transformation, and increasing data dependency. By providing substantial resources and a supportive ecosystem, the incubator is positioned to help founding teams develop scalable business models and achieve successful market entry.