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 Innovation Hub and tech startups.

We believe that through this sort of activity we can bring multiple values to different levels of gamers, our current customers and prospects, as well as to tech 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 cyber-defense 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 May 31, 2020.

Check out the details on the website

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) with working MVPs and higher. 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 Kaspersky global team (due to coronavirus, it will be online streaming);
• Pilot project with Kaspersky focused on co-sales and revenue sharing in one of the Kaspersky regions of presence;
• Support for product development, marketing through multiple media channels and events;
• Access to channel partners (including distributors and re-sellers);
• Access to own clients and prospects via Kaspersky sales and presales force;
• Opportunity to scale globally and be promoted globally in every region where Kaspersky has a presence.

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

Online applications close on Sunday, May 31, at 23.59 hours CET. This will be the last day you can submit your project via the website. A reminder will be sent in case you will not finish the application.

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

The reviewer team made up of Kaspersky and F6S 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 (May, 31). 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 Selection Day on the 30^th of June online streaming.

You will have the opportunity to present your project in front of a jury of experts from Kaspersky Innovation Hub, and with the support of F6S. We will notify you if you have been selected to participate in the Selection 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.

Usually yes, Kaspersky Innovation Hub covers travel expenses for each project that qualifies for the Selection Day. Our team and the participants’ health and safety come first and due to the coronavirus situation, we will stream the Selection Day live directly from our Kaspersky HQ in Moscow.

The best-selected startups will not be asked to travel for the event. They will need to access to a clear room in their location, with good light, sound and good internet connection. More details and instructions will be posted in the following weeks.

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 Innovation Hub. The cooperation agreements will be drawn up, negotiated and finalized on a bilateral basis, between each startup and Kaspersky Innovation Hub.