On September 16, 2026, founders from CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) gathered for CISPA Pitch Day at Munich Urban Colab. In front of investors and technology enthusiasts, they presented new ideas, showcased innovative technologies, and demonstrated how scientific insights can become the foundation for successful businesses.
A total of 14 teams took the stage to present their ventures, explain the problems they aim to solve, and share their visions for the future. The event reflected the diversity of entrepreneurial journeys: from first ideas to startups looking to bring their technologies to market and attract investment.
Four teams were in the discovery stage and are supported by the CISPA Founders Fellowship. The program helps researchers explore the potential of their research for a future startup. Another ten teams presented their ventures at different stages of development, including startups already working to scale their technologies.
This broad range highlighted the different paths from scientific discovery to entrepreneurship. While some founders are only beginning to explore the potential of their ideas, others are already developing their business models and preparing for their next steps in the market.
Preparing Founders for the Stage Through Pitch Coaching
A compelling pitch can make all the difference when it comes to convincing potential investors and partners of a technology's potential. To help founders communicate their ideas effectively, some participants had already taken part in a two-day pitch coaching workshop with renowned pitch coach Beth Susanne. The workshop gave them the opportunity to refine their presentations and prepare for pitching in front of an audience with an entrepreneurial and investment perspective.
At the end of Pitch Day, the investors voted for the most compelling pitches. Three teams emerged as the winners:
1st place: Duneo
2nd place: Haste
3rd place: VISS
Connecting the CISPA and TUM Startup Ecosystems
CISPA Pitch Day also demonstrated the value of collaboration between research institutions and their startup ecosystems. Bringing together founders from CISPA and TUM at the TUM Incubator and Munich Urban Colab created opportunities for exchange, new connections, and inspiration across institutional boundaries.
