TUM Launches Cybersecurity Program with Google.org Support to Train the Next Generation of Digital Defenders

TUM Launches Cybersecurity Program with Google.org Support to Train the Next Generation of Digital Defenders

(IN BRIEF) The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has launched a new Cybersecurity Program to train over 200 students in the essential field of cybersecurity. Supported by up to 1 million USD from Google.org, the program aims to help students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, while also providing practical experience. The initiative will support local organizations, including SMEs and TUM’s Partners of Excellence, in strengthening their cybersecurity defenses. The program is the only one in Germany to receive such support from Google.org and will include hands-on learning through gamified activities, hacking competitions, and industry capstone projects. TUM is one of 23 universities globally selected to receive funding and support from Virtual Routes.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 6-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has announced the launch of a new Cybersecurity Program aimed at training over 200 students from diverse backgrounds in the critical field of cybersecurity. The initiative, which will offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, is designed to address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. TUM has secured up to 1 million USD in funding from Google.org to support this program, making it the only German university to receive such backing.

The new program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to defend local organizations against the growing threat of cyberattacks. It will benefit over 250 local companies and non-profit organizations, many of which are particularly vulnerable to such threats. These organizations include TUM’s Partners of Excellence, as well as deep-tech small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the TUM ecosystem, particularly those involved with the TUM Venture Labs incubator and UnternehmerTUM, the innovation and business creation center. Through these partnerships, the program will help these companies strengthen their cybersecurity measures and build resilience against digital risks.

Georg Carle, Principal Investigator and Professor for Network Architectures and Services at TUM, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “We aim to create an environment where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and tackle the practical challenges faced by the industry.” The program will serve as a collaborative platform where academic and industry partners can join forces to develop diverse cybersecurity scenarios.

Dr. Wieland Holfelder, Vice President of Engineering at Google Cloud, highlighted the need for this initiative, noting, “We are facing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals at a time when emerging technologies like AI are both creating opportunities and posing new risks. This collaboration benefits both the students, who will gain valuable hands-on experience, and the community organizations that will be better protected from cyber threats.”

The program, which will begin in spring 2025, will feature a dynamic curriculum that blends classroom learning with practical, real-world applications. Students will engage in Project Weeks, where they will tackle company-specific challenges, and will participate in gamified learning activities, such as hacking competitions, to make learning more engaging. The program will also include capstone projects with industry partners, focusing on areas such as Internet measurement data analysis and electronic identification technologies, including the use of eIDAS for secure electronic signatures and seals.

TUM’s Cybersecurity Program is one of 23 universities selected across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to receive support from Virtual Routes and Google.org. TUM is the only institution in Germany to be chosen for this prestigious program, further solidifying its role as a leader in cybersecurity education.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Julia Rinner
presse@tum.de

Contacts to this article:

Prof. Dr. Georg Carle
Technical University of Munich
Chair of Network Architectures and Services
carle@tum.de
www.tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich