ATHENE

ATHENE is Germany’s National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity, conducting application-oriented research for business, society and government. The center works to strengthen cybersecurity while addressing the needs of organisations and the wider public. Its research and outreach cover areas including artificial intelligence security, cryptography and digital forensics, and ATHENE shares research findings through publications, talks, events and workshops.

Beyond research, ATHENE supports innovation and the cybersecurity startup community through the ATHENE Digital Hub, described as one of Germany’s leading innovation communities for cybersecurity startups. Its initiatives include the StartUpSecure funding programme, the ATHENE Accelerator, SpeedUpSecure and the UP@it-sa Award. The center also offers mentoring and opportunities for collaboration, alongside education and professional development activities such as study programmes, continuing education and a Cyber Range.

ATHENE provides a conference radar featuring key cybersecurity conference dates and submission deadlines. Its public resources include educational materials for teachers and children, including Pixi knowledge books about researchers’ working lives.