The next generation of cybersecurity innovation passed through Valencia. The second edition of the Cybersecurity Startup Program, driven by INCIBE and Startup Valencia with the collaboration of Valencia Innovation Capital, held its Acceleration Demo Day on Thursday, 27 November at La Harinera, bringing together investors, corporations and ecosystem leaders to discover the progress of ten projects with global potential.
Over the past six months, the participating startups have received specialised training, strategic mentoring and expert support to strengthen their business models and consolidate their solutions in a sector as critical as cybersecurity. The event began with a welcome from Nacho Mas, CEO and Executive VP of Startup Valencia, and Rocío Gutiérrez, técnica de Promoción Empresarial y Desarrollo de Negocio at INCIBE, before the teams presented their progress to the audience and a specialised jury.
The day also featured the keynote “The Power of Not Knowing”, delivered by Ranny Nachmias, co-founder and CEO of Alcide, focused on the value of curiosity and the importance of staying open to continuous learning along the entrepreneurial journey.
Awarded projects and high-impact solutions
The jury, composed of Lucía Calabria (Valencia Innovation Capital), Alejandro Aliaga (Ontinet.com), Nacho Mas and Rocío Gutiérrez, awarded the first prize to QuantumSec in recognition of its standout proposal. Brandlex and Aniwa completed the podium as second and third place respectively.
The winning project received €5,000, access to the OVHcloud Startup Program with €10,000 in cloud credits, and six additional months of hot desk at La Harinera. In addition, the three awarded startups will participate in the Pitch Stage at VDS 2026 and will receive an international mentoring session with MARS, Official English Buddy of VDS 2026.
All participating startups will enjoy one year of free membership in Startup Valencia and ten passes to attend VDS 2026. The three winners of the acceleration phase join OctoCypher, Quantum Computing Solutions and WAVF, winners of the Incubation Demo Day held in July.
A strategic commitment to deeptech talent
In a context where cybersecurity is a global priority, this programme has become a growth engine for startups tackling key challenges with cutting-edge technologies such as applied artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital identity protection, process automation and advanced security solutions.
Beyond training and mentoring, the differential value of the programme lies in its ability to generate real opportunities: direct connection with investors, dialogue with corporations, contact with strategic institutions and access to the Valencian innovation ecosystem, one of the most dynamic in Europe.
Applications open for the third edition
The Cybersecurity Startup Program by Startup Valencia and INCIBE moves toward its third edition and has already opened its selection process. Innovative startups with cybersecurity solutions can apply to a programme that combines incubation and acceleration phases, offering specialised training, expert mentoring, personalised support, access to investors and corporations, integration into the innovation ecosystem and visibility at VDS 2026.
Cybersecurity is now one of the areas with the fastest global growth and investment. From Valencia, we are building a space where these solutions can grow, professionalise and scale.
You can apply to the call by clicking on this link.
