Published on 7 May 2025
Call for the Cyber Startup Challenge 2025
The Cyber-Defence Campus is looking for innovative technologies. For this purpose, it is launching a Cyber Startup Challenge for the fifth time. The topic: Graph Analytics Technologies. The registration deadline has been extended to 20 July 2025.
The aim of the Cyber Startup Challenge 2025 is to explore the startup technology landscape around the topic of “Graph Analytics Technologies” and in doing so to present innovative technologies to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
Companies are invited to register for the challenge and submit their solutions. The three start-ups with the most promising solutions will be allowed to present their idea at the Cyber-Defence Campus Conference on 29 October 2025 in Bern.
A jury of experts and DDPS stakeholders will select one company as the winner of the Startup Challenge at the end of the conference. The selected startup will receive a contract worth up to CHF 100,000 for the integration of a Proof of Concept (PoC) of their technology into the DDPS environment.
This challenge is not a call for tenders but an opportunity to explore new markets. This challenge is not a call for tenders but market exploration. Promising technologies will be identified that best meet the requirements of the Department of Defence.
We are seeking innovative solutions that will enhance the value and utility of graph databases. The technical solution does not need to be fully implemented at the time of submission. A convincing PoC should be realizable within one year and for less than CHF 100,000.
The goal is to leverage graph analytics technology in novel ways to enable more insightful analysis, faster data retrieval, and improved decision making. Solutions should demonstrate clear practical applications, particularly in complex domains that require sophisticated analysis of data relationships, such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or network management.
Below are examples of areas that could be addressed by submitted solutions. However, we also welcome innovative approaches that are not explicitly mentioned:
Example: Enhanced Graph Analytics; developing new algorithms or methods for deep graph analytics that significantly improve the speed, accuracy, or depth of insights derived from large and complex graph databases. Possible approaches include the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, or automated decision making.
Example: Real-Time Graph Database; Queries creating technologies that significantly accelerate real-time query processing on large-scale graph databases. Solutions may include innovative indexing techniques, advanced caching strategies, or optimization methods that enable real-time analytics on continuously changing data sets.
Example: Dynamic Graph Visualization; Innovative techniques for dynamic visualization and interactive exploration of complex graph databases to enhance user understanding and decision making. Solutions could use advanced interactive visual analytics to effectively represent evolving graph relationships.
We do not seek solutions that require significant changes to infrastructure or that could pose risks. We are not interested in concepts, studies or solutions that are at a very early stage of development. We are not interested in consulting proposals or non-technical solutions.
- The start-up is less than seven years old as of October 2025
- The founders are still investors and actively involved in the company
- The company has at least three employees, including active founders
- The finalist of the Challenge receives a contract to integrate the proof of concept of the technology in the DDPS
- The contract won has a maximum value of CHF 100,000. The value is based on the amount of work required to integrate the proof of feasibility
- The proof of concept is supported by the Cyber-Defence Campus
- This challenge is neither a competition nor a tender. It is a market research challenge to find a promising technology that best meets the needs of the DDPS around the threat of cyber espionage. Participation by companies is voluntary
- The proof of feasibility does not necessarily aim to be effectively implemented in operation
- Any future acquisition will be through a tender process and proof of feasibility is not a guarantee of an additional mandate or purchase
- All companies participating in the Challenge, i.e. not only the winning company, will be included in a tender and further challenges
- The company accepts the General Terms and Conditions of the Confederation (GTC) without reservation. Suppliers who make changes (additions/adjustments) will be excluded from the Challenge
- Technology is related to Graph Database Technologies
- Technological relevance and usability for the DDPS
- Feasibility of the project
- Innovation factor and impact potential for the DDPS
- Viability of the technology concept
- Dual use (civilian, military)
- Companies from Switzerland are rated higher; however, the start-up can be international
- The start-up must complete the registration template of the call and send the document to the address provided.
- The Cyber-Defence Campus will select the ten best companies and ask for more information and details.
- The top three companies will be invited to give a presentation of their company and technology.
- During the Cyber-Defence Campus Conference, the three finalists will give a 10-minute-pitch and the company with the best score will be crowned the winner.
- Registration deadline 20.07.2025
- The best three start-ups present themselves to the selection community 02.09.2025
- CYD Campus Conference: Presentation of the three best solutions and announcement of the winner 29.10.2025
Registration Cyber Startup Challenge 2025
What are you waiting for? Register now here at: Cyber Startup Challenge 2025 | Bern, Switzerland | F6S.
Or use the registration form.