New grant to boost development of cybersecurity companies

TALLINN - The state is launching a new grant to help cybersecurity companies, in collaboration with researchers, develop innovative and internationally competitive solutions.

The measure, initiated by the Enterprise and Innovation Foundation and the Information System Authority (RIA), will channel 1.5 million euros into the IT sector, with applications being accepted from January 12.

The long-term goal of the cybersecurity innovation grant is to shape a viable and research-based cybersecurity sector in Estonia, featuring forward-looking companies whose services are in high demand both in Estonia and internationally.

Lauri Tankler, Head of the Research and Development Coordination Department at RIA, pointed out that the grant is primarily intended to encourage companies that have not yet systematically engaged in research and development. "This provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in collaborating with an external research partner, to understand the logic of intellectual property agreements, and to distinguish between standard IT development and research and development activities."

Estonia is home to about ten medium-sized companies whose main business is providing cybersecurity services, in addition to several dozen smaller companies and numerous startups. Alongside them, larger technology companies also offer cybersecurity services and products. "The potential target group for the grant is the entire IT sector, provided that the product or activity being developed is related to ensuring cybersecurity," Tankler specified.

The grant covers the development of new solutions, from concept creation to prototype testing, product development, and experimentation. The focus areas include the automation of cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence in ensuring cybersecurity, the development of tools and strategies for transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, and the cybersecurity of space technologies.

Only Estonian companies are eligible to apply. A prerequisite for the grant is close and substantive collaboration with research and development institutions and/or organizations involved in product and service development in the cybersecurity field. The cooperation partner must participate in the project activities to an extent that constitutes at least 40 percent of the project's total costs. Suitable partners can be sought from across Europe.

The grant amount can reach up to 100,000 euros, covering up to 70 percent of the project's cost, depending on the size of the company. The Enterprise and Innovation Foundation (EIS) will begin accepting applications on January 12, with an information session scheduled for January 14.

The grant is co-financed by the European Union and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.