Cyber Accelerator invites cybersecurity start-ups to apply, with a focus on combating cyber fraud and science-based solutions

The Cyber Accelerator, organised in cooperation between the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) and the Tehnopol Startup Incubator, is inviting applications from start-ups operating in the field of cybersecurity. Teams selected for the accelerator can receive up to €60,000 in funding to develop their product or service.

Last year, RIA recorded a record 10,185 cyber incidents in Estonia, a large proportion of which involved various forms of fraud and phishing. For this reason, this year the Cyber Accelerator will place greater emphasis on solutions that tackle cyber fraud and strengthen society’s resilience against this rapidly growing problem. “We cannot afford to rely on future technologies in the hope that, at some distant point, artificial intelligence might somehow neutralise all such threats on its own,” said Lauri Tankler, Head of R&D Coordination at RIA. “There is already a clear need in society for innovative, effective, user-friendly and affordable cybersecurity products and services.”

However, fraud and social engineering are not the only areas for which solutions can be submitted to the Cyber Accelerator. “The automation of cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence for security purposes, the development of quantum-resistant solutions, and other questions related to the security of emerging technologies remain firmly on RIA’s radar. We are especially interested in solutions that have grown out of research projects and universities,” Tankler added.

The Cyber Accelerator is focused on helping early-stage companies develop their solution into a market-ready product or service. During the programme, teams receive support in product development, market validation, building commercial capability, and preparing for initial fundraising.

Previous rounds of the Cyber Accelerator have included companies such as PhishBite, which is developing a phishing simulation solution; TrustOps, which is building software for compliance automation; ScamGuardian.ai, which helps companies in the telecommunications and financial sectors prevent and stop scams; and Complok, which is developing a risk management platform for the financial sector.

According to Anne-Liisa Elbrecht, Head of the Tehnopol Startup Incubator, cybersecurity is no longer a niche issue limited to one sector, but a foundation of business and societal resilience. “In cybersecurity, isolated fixes and slow solutions are no longer enough – companies need smart tools that help them prevent risks, respond quickly, and operate securely in an increasingly complex digital environment. The aim of the Cyber Accelerator is to help such solutions reach the market faster,” Elbrecth noted.

In her view, cybersecurity is increasingly also a matter of defence capability, as the functioning of the state, businesses and people depends on digital infrastructure whose reliability and security are critical both in everyday life and in times of crisis. “Tehnopol’s role is to give teams access to the knowledge, mentors and network needed to grow a technologically strong idea into a company with international potential,” said Elbrecht.

This is the fourth time the Cyber Accelerator has been organised in cooperation between Tehnopol and RIA. Applications are open until 21 June, and further information can be found on the website.

Photo: Cyber Accelerator 2025 teams

The Cyber Accelerator is co-funded by the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.