Thu, May 28, 2026
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The application period for the SIBB Incubator ended with a new record: Over 300 startup teams applied to our incubator.
To ensure a thorough evaluation of the large number of applications, the selection process was overseen by a high-caliber jury drawn from the SIBB ecosystem. Working together with the SIBB startup team, they identified the eight strongest teams for the new 2026 cohort through a multi-stage process.
The 21-member jury brings together business leaders, investors, and startup and tech experts from the fields of cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, and deep tech. Their diverse perspectives from the worlds of business, research, and entrepreneurship enable a multifaceted and practical evaluation of the applications.
The jury for the SIBB Incubator 2026:
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The application period for the SIBB Incubator ended with a new record: Over 300 startup teams applied to our incubator.
To ensure a thorough evaluation of the large number of applications, the selection process was overseen by a high-caliber jury drawn from the SIBB ecosystem. Working together with the SIBB startup team, they identified the eight strongest teams for the new 2026 cohort through a multi-stage process.
The 21-member jury brings together business leaders, investors, and startup and tech experts from the fields of cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, and deep tech. Their diverse perspectives from the worlds of business, research, and entrepreneurship enable a multifaceted and practical evaluation of the applications.
The jury for the SIBB Incubator 2026:
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Startup ecosystem
1. Wiktoria Mazur – hub:raum, Startup Scout
Identifies promising early-stage startups and analyzes new technological and market trends.
2. Caroline Kirstoff – Berliner Sparkasse, startup consultant,
Helps founders make key decisions regarding financing and growth.
3. Madlen Dietrich – Werner-von-Siemens Centre for Industry and Science, Head of Innovation & Network
Has successfully connected industry, academia, SMEs, and startups for over ten years.
4. Mirco Dragowski – REAKTOR BERLIN, Co-Managing Director
As the former managing director of the German Startups Association, he is building a strong national and international network.
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Startup ecosystem
1. Wiktoria Mazur – hub:raum, Startup Scout
Identifies promising early-stage startups and analyzes new technological and market trends.
2. Caroline Kirstoff – Berliner Sparkasse, startup consultant,
Helps founders make key decisions regarding financing and growth.
3. Madlen Dietrich – Werner-von-Siemens Centre for Industry and Science, Head of Innovation & Network
Has successfully connected industry, academia, SMEs, and startups for over ten years.
4. Mirco Dragowski – REAKTOR BERLIN, Co-Managing Director
As the former managing director of the German Startups Association, he is building a strong national and international network.
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Investors
1. Anne Biedermann – Beyond Returns, Wealth Partner for Women
Advises women, families, and family offices on strategic asset allocation with a focus on venture capital.
2. Clemens Kabel – IBB Ventures, Investment Director
Supports technology startups in their early growth stages and has extensive expertise in venture capital and corporate finance.
3. Dr. Albert Haase – REALVIEW Group, CEO
Brings together the perspectives of a founder, operator, and investor—with a strong focus on the product.
4. Elisabeth Mansfeld – Broadpeak & encourageventures, Strategic Leader & Business Angel
Has been connecting capital, innovation, and social change for over 16 years.
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Investors
1. Anne Biedermann – Beyond Returns, Wealth Partner for Women
Advises women, families, and family offices on strategic asset allocation with a focus on venture capital.
2. Clemens Kabel – IBB Ventures, Investment Director
Supports technology startups in their early growth stages and has extensive expertise in venture capital and corporate finance.
3. Dr. Albert Haase – REALVIEW Group, CEO
Brings together the perspectives of a founder, operator, and investor—with a strong focus on the product.
4. Elisabeth Mansfeld – Broadpeak & encourageventures, Strategic Leader & Business Angel
Has been connecting capital, innovation, and social change for over 16 years.
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Tech Experts
1. Marian Klee – brighter AI, Managing Director
As a mentor, she brings extensive experience in business development, AI, data protection, product strategy, and scaling.
2. Alexandra Wander – Zeiss Group, Program Manager – Responsible AI
Responsible for establishing company-wide AI governance and implementing the EU AI Regulation.
3. Prof. Dr. Jörg Reiff-Stephan – Wildau University of Applied Sciences, Professor
Combines research in AI, robotics, and production systems with practical implementation in industry and startups.
4. Sinan Arslan – SIBB, Managing Director
Dedicated to fostering connections among companies, startups, and other players in the digital economy.
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Tech Experts
1. Marian Klee – brighter AI, Managing Director
As a mentor, she brings extensive experience in business development, AI, data protection, product strategy, and scaling.
2. Alexandra Wander – Zeiss Group, Program Manager – Responsible AI
Responsible for establishing company-wide AI governance and implementing the EU AI Regulation.
3. Prof. Dr. Jörg Reiff-Stephan – Wildau University of Applied Sciences, Professor
Combines research in AI, robotics, and production systems with practical implementation in industry and startups.
4. Sinan Arslan – SIBB, Managing Director
Dedicated to fostering connections among companies, startups, and other players in the digital economy.
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Cybersecurity Experts
1. Darya Schwarz-Fradkova – Bundesdruckerei, Senior Business Development Manager
Identifies relevant business opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity and public safety.
2. Andrea Hornung – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Senior Manager
Identifies cyber risks and deal breakers for private equity firms, family offices, and corporate M&A, and outlines appropriate security measures.
3. Anna Hedegaard – Quantum Security Defence, CEO
Advises governments and companies worldwide on quantum-secure cryptography and cybersecurity.
4. Christopher Jackson – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP), Venture Manager for Cybersecurity & AI
Combines technical expertise with extensive experience in international security and government projects.
5. Katharina von Knop – Digital Trust Analytics, Founder of
Develops innovative digital products with a clear focus on trustworthy AI, from concept to successful market launch.
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Cybersecurity Experts
1. Darya Schwarz-Fradkova – Bundesdruckerei, Senior Business Development Manager
Identifies relevant business opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity and public safety.
2. Andrea Hornung – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Senior Manager
Identifies cyber risks and deal breakers for private equity firms, family offices, and corporate M&A, and outlines appropriate security measures.
3. Anna Hedegaard – Quantum Security Defence, CEO
Advises governments and companies worldwide on quantum-secure cryptography and cybersecurity.
4. Christopher Jackson – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP), Venture Manager for Cybersecurity & AI
Combines technical expertise with extensive experience in international security and government projects.
5. Katharina von Knop – Digital Trust Analytics, Founder of
Develops innovative digital products with a clear focus on trustworthy AI, from concept to successful market launch.
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SIBB Business Leaders
1. Carolin Petzold – Interlake Media, COO
Leads cloud technologies, digital transformation, and IT strategy, with extensive experience at Siemens and Microsoft.
2. Carsten Zaddach – BDE Business Data Warehouse Engineering, Business Owner
3. Anna Mencel-Wolske – BST Media, Authorized Signatory
4. Olaf Kehrer – O&O Software, Managing Director
Develops innovative SaaS and software solutions for Windows, IT operations, and endpoint security.
We would like to thank all the jury members for their dedication. By sharing your expertise, you are making a significant contribution to selecting and supporting the next generation of innovative startups.
The incubator is part of the Berlin Startup Grant, funded by the EU (ESF+) and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises.
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SIBB Business Leaders
1. Carolin Petzold – Interlake Media, COO
Leads cloud technologies, digital transformation, and IT strategy, with extensive experience at Siemens and Microsoft.
2. Carsten Zaddach – BDE Business Data Warehouse Engineering, Business Owner
3. Anna Mencel-Wolske – BST Media, Authorized Signatory
4. Olaf Kehrer – O&O Software, Managing Director
Develops innovative SaaS and software solutions for Windows, IT operations, and endpoint security.
We would like to thank all the jury members for their dedication. By sharing your expertise, you are making a significant contribution to selecting and supporting the next generation of innovative startups.
The incubator is part of the Berlin Startup Grant, funded by the EU (ESF+) and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises.
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