The National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE), an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service through the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, in collaboration with the Spanish education and entrepreneurship innovation consultancy Sherpa Tribe, has opened applications for Startup Inspire, its free startup incubation program, aimed at Málaga-based startups. The program is organized together with the Málaga City Council through the National Hub for Digital Content (Polo Nacional de Contenidos Digitales) with the goal of boosting Málaga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Startup Inspire is part of the INCIBE Emprende initiative, driven by Sherpa Tribe as a collaborating entity, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, financed by the Next Generation-EU Funds.
This acceleration program will start on September 23 and will run for three months. All startups, whether based in Málaga or not, may submit their applications until September 10, when the registration process will close and projects will be reviewed for subsequent selection.
Startups interested in applying can do so through this link.
The startups selected to participate in this program will benefit from a hybrid format, both online and on-site, with 45 hours of in-person training sessions at the High-Tech Metaverse Incubator in Málaga, part of the National Hub for Digital Content ecosystem, as well as 30 hours of one-to-one mentoring, up to 30 hours of personalized advice (legal, tax, labor, and marketing), all delivered by leading mentors and trainers in the fields of technology, finance, law, cybersecurity, internationalization, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the program will include 10 visits to key agents of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a unique opportunity to learn from the successes and failures of renowned entrepreneurs.
“Startup Inspire was created with the purpose of supporting new generations of entrepreneurs in the most critical phase of their projects: the launch. This program not only provides support for validating and developing their ideas, but also integrates cybersecurity from the very beginning as a competitive advantage and trust enabler. The collaboration between INCIBE Emprende by Sherpa Tribe and the Málaga Digital Content Hub creates a unique environment where innovation, technology, and security come together to foster stronger, more sustainable startups from the outset,” explains Stéphan Maisons, founder and CEO of Sherpa Tribe.
The Startup Inspire program will conclude on December 16 with a Demo Day, offering participants a unique opportunity to present their final projects to industry experts and potential investors, thereby increasing their chances of securing funding. “From the Málaga City Council, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering technological entrepreneurship and attracting innovative talent. Programs like Startup Inspire strengthen our city’s position as a reference point in the digital and cybersecurity sectors, while providing entrepreneurs with a privileged environment to develop solid and competitive projects. This initiative is directly aligned with the objectives of the High-Tech Metaverse Incubator (IAT Metaverso), facilities designed specifically to support and accelerate the growth of startups in cutting-edge technologies, thereby strengthening Málaga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem from a global perspective,” stated Alicia Izquierdo, Málaga City Councilor for Innovation, Digitalization and Investment Promotion.
Cybersecurity is becoming a strategic priority in Spain. In 2024, the market reached €2.27 billion, with forecasts to grow to €3.21 billion by 2029. In parallel, the government has approved an investment of €1.157 billion to strengthen cybersecurity and cyber defense as part of the National Cybersecurity Plan.
INCIBE estimates that by 2025, around 99,600 professionals specialized in this field will be needed. This demand reflects both the growth of the sector and a significant talent gap.
Despite this context, startups and SMEs remain vulnerable. In 2024, nearly 100,000 cybersecurity incidents were reported, and up to 60% of SMEs that fall victim to an attack end up closing. A Mastercard study warns that 1 in 3 SMEs fears a cyberattack could drive them into bankruptcy. Moreover, around 45% of SMEs fail cybersecurity preparedness, making them highly exposed.
“Digitalization is an essential driver, but without a solid cybersecurity foundation, it becomes a risk. At Startup Inspire we integrate protection, training, and security culture from day one, so that emerging projects are not only innovative but also resilient and trustworthy,” concludes Maisons.
INCIBE Emprende was created to boost cybersecurity entrepreneurship. Its mission is to strengthen the cybersecurity capacities of citizens, SMEs, and professionals, while promoting the cybersecurity sector ecosystem.
Between 2023 and 2026, INCIBE will continue supporting Spanish cybersecurity entrepreneurs and startups throughout the entire entrepreneurial process, from the idea stage to incubation and acceleration. In fact, INCIBE has been fostering cybersecurity entrepreneurship for more than seven years, which is reflected in its Alumni network, a community that includes some of the most relevant cybersecurity startups in both the national and international landscapes.
The initiatives of INCIBE Emprende are part of the National Cybersecurity Industry Boost Program, included in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) under Component 15, Investment 7: Cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the capacities of citizens, SMEs, and professionals, and driving the sector forward.
The Startup Inspire Program of INCIBE Emprende by Sherpa Tribe is part of the agreement reached by the Málaga Digital Content Hub and Sherpa Tribe to carry out this type of initiative to promote cybersecurity entrepreneurship in Málaga.
The National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE) is an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, through the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures. It is established as the reference institution for the development of cybersecurity and digital trust for citizens and companies. Furthermore, it acts as a driver of social transformation and innovation opportunities, promoting R&D&I and talent development.
The National Digital Content Hub (Polo Nacional de Contenidos Digitales) in Málaga is a public initiative of the Málaga City Council that, since 2017, has been fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in sectors such as video games, virtual reality, audiovisual production, and the metaverse. Located in the Tabacalera complex, it offers more than 12,000 m² with laboratories, classrooms, coworking spaces, and high-tech incubators, including the High-Tech Metaverse Incubator and the Telefónica Foundation’s 42 Málaga campus. The Hub supports startups across pre-incubation, incubation, international acceleration, and publishing stages. It also organizes training programs, events such as game development jams, cybersecurity talks, and activities with strong local impact —more than 120 participants in podcasting, VR, digital content, or audiovisual pathways— positioning Málaga as a hub for digital talent and the creative industries.
Sherpa Tribe is a consultancy specialized in innovation, pedagogy, technology, communication, and engagement, focused on the fields of education and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to support companies in developing their businesses, boosting competitiveness, and fostering growth in three key areas: technology, education, and innovation.
Currently, Sherpa Tribe works with partners such as the Málaga Digital Hub, Fundación Ibercaja and Fundación hiberus in Aragón, as well as the Las Rozas City Council and MSMK University in Madrid. Within the INCIBE Emprende program, Sherpa Tribe also counts on the investment support of Grupo Orbyn, Founders Live —a global entrepreneurship and tech event for international growth— and Innogate to Europe, for the exchange of entrepreneurial experiences across Europe.
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