Kaspersky
Open Innovation Program

We think the ‘challenge’ format is the best way to get closer to new forms of innovation and to enhance the growth of new joint business initiatives based on cooperation between Kaspersky and tech-based startups.

We believe that through this sort of activity we can bring multiple values to our current customers and prospects, as well as to tech-based startups. Therefore, we invite you to build these values together with us.

The values we bring are:

• Globally recognized cybersecurity vendor selects best-in-class solutions to address security needs even faster.
• Solutions that complement our portfolio, integrate with our technologies to combine and maximize values for your corporate cyberdefense strategy.
• We scout, validate, nurture and enhance the most advanced and disruptive technologies to support your digital transformation.

Neither.

We are a leading cybersecurity solutions provider; our focus is business. Through this program we aim to test your product/service, validate its technical and business potential and develop the business jointly.

Once selected, we will draw up a cooperation agreement accordingly, and you will receive support from our dedicated team to scale your solution globally.

No, we are not asking for any equity in exchange for prizes!

The application process is very easy: click on “Apply” to register and fill in the form by July, 28, 2019.

Our focus is preferably for ongoing company projects with a working team rather than an individual. Nonetheless, if you have an outstanding individual project, we would encourage you to apply!

We are looking for innovative solutions (products or services) to be tested and/or used. This means you should provide a product/service beyond the functional prototype phase, ideally already launched on the market, and preferably already with clients.

We offer a wide range of benefits to startups:

• Product/service validation through joint proof of concept;
• Invitation to pitch in front of our global team (travel and accommodation expenses covered);
• Support for product development, marketing through multiple media channels and events;
• Become part of Kaspersky’s portfolio and be promoted globally;
• Access to channel partners (including distributors and resellers);
• Access to own clients and prospects via Kaspersky’s sales and pre-sales force;
• Collaboration with Kaspersky’s R&D office in order to improve prototypes/products;
• Opportunity to scale globally in every region where Kaspersky has a presence.

Check out the detailed list of benefits on the program website: innovations.kaspersky.com

We are open to the possibility of investing and/or proposing to share the capital in a startup.

Online applications close on Sunday, July, 28, at 23.59 hours CET. This will be the last day you can submit your project via the website innovations.kaspersky.com

No. F6S is the only channel through which Kaspersky is accepting proposals.

The reviewer team made up of Kaspersky and BIBA Venture Partners will be responsible for evaluating your project. For more info, see the Privacy Policy.

Application forms will only be accepted in English.

We will send an email informing you whether your company has been selected or not a few weeks after the deadline for submissions (July, 28). Stay tuned!

We will perform a rigorous validation process involving two phases:

• We analyze all the submitted projects and create a shortlist of those with the most potential.
• Shortlisted projects undergo a second stage (pre-validation) that includes technical, business and market characteristics.

Those projects that successfully pass the pre-validation phase will be included in the list of finalists and invited to pitch at the Demo Day in September in Milan (Italy).

You will have the opportunity to present your project in front of a jury of experts from Kaspersky, and with the support of BIBA Venture Partners. We will notify you if you have been selected to participate in the Demo Day and send you all the necessary information. We will also help you fine-tune your pitch presentation via dedicated one-to-one online coaching sessions prior to the event.

Yes, Kaspersky will cover travel expenses for each project that qualifies for the Demo Day. Please note that travel expenses will be covered for no more than two persons from each startup, and accommodation expenses will be covered for no more than a two-day stay in Milan, Italy (Kaspersky reserves the right to make the final decision on flights and hotel accommodation).

As it is an international competition with international judges and attendees, we ask all startups to pitch in English.

The participants with the most promising projects will be offered the chance to enter into cooperation agreements with Kaspersky. The cooperation agreements will be drawn up, negotiated and finalized on a bilateral basis, between each startup and Kaspersky.