Who Is Eligible for the Cybersecurity Advocacy Fund?
The fund is open worldwide to those actively enrolled in universities as students, employed faculty including professors and researchers, or official university group representatives. Applicants must submit proposals in English.
What Types of Projects Does the Fund Support?
The fund backs three key project categories that tackle cybersecurity challenges:
- Creative advocacy: Art installations, interactive campaigns, or public awareness efforts that make digital threats more understandable and tangible.
- Academic research: Papers, studies, or research initiatives focused on understanding cybersecurity risks and threats.
- Technological ideas: Innovations, prototypes, or early-stage tools designed to improve cybersecurity, with access to expert refinement and development support.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Prepare a clear and original project proposal demonstrating strong potential impact on cybersecurity awareness or defense.
- Ensure your proposal fits into one of the accepted categories: creative, research, or technological.
- Submit your proposal in English by email during the open submission periods—September or February each year.
- Review the detailed terms and guidelines to confirm eligibility and project criteria.
- Send proposals to advocacyfund@surfshark.com before the submission window closes.
What Happens After Submission?
Proposals undergo a thorough evaluation by Surfshark experts who assess:
- Relevance to cybersecurity awareness
- Proposal clarity
- Originality
- Potential real-world impact
Selected projects share an annual pool of up to €100,000, with additional benefits including technical guidance, industry insights, and development support.
Why This Fund Matters for Cybersecurity Progress
Online scams and digital threats evolve rapidly, and billions are lost annually worldwide due to scams. Investment in fresh academic and creative solutions outside conventional corporate development is vital to closing awareness and defense gaps effectively. This fund empowers university contributors to bring innovative ideas into the fight against cyber threats with real-world impact.
Key Takeaway for University Communities
If you’re part of a university community passionate about cybersecurity, this fund presents a unique opportunity. It offers financial backing, expertise, and resources to transform your innovative ideas into practical tools and campaigns that improve digital safety globally. Prepare your project thoughtfully and apply during open cycles to join this impactful initiative.