Thought Leadership
Google.org, the non-profit arm of the internet company, spends around 100 million dollars a year on non-commercial purposes. Up to one million now goes to the TU Munich.
With support from California’s Silicon Valley, the Technical University of Munich has launched a new type of training program to improve cyber security in Germany. More than 200 students will have the opportunity to apply the cyber security skills they have acquired at the university in real-life situations, TU Munich and Google.org announced in the Bavarian capital. The non-profit arm of the Internet company is funding the program with up to one million dollars.
Funding program of 15 million dollars
The university in Munich is the only German university to receive funding as part of this cyber security program. More than 20 universities worldwide receive funds from the funding pot, which contains a total of 15 million dollars.
The programme aims to support more than 250 companies and non-profit organizations in Germany that are typically considered to be particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. The aim of the project is to achieve high security standards and enable the affected institutions to defend themselves against cyber attacks.
German companies particularly at risk
According to a study by the digital industry association Bitkom, companies and organizations in Germany are particularly at risk in cyberspace. In 2024, 81% of all companies were affected by the theft of data and IT equipment as well as digital and analog industrial espionage or sabotage. A further 10 percent suspect this.
Munich-based Google manager Wieland Holfelder said: “We are facing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals at a time when new technologies such as AI present both opportunities and threats to the field.” Both sides would benefit from the program. “Students learn practical cybersecurity skills and vulnerable organizations are protected from cyberattacks.”
Google.org was founded in 2005 as a non-profit organization. It supports non-profit organizations and social projects through grants and donations in kind.
dpa
