GSIS Accelerator
powered by Speer Group
GSIS Accelerator – powered by Speer Group launches with up to EUR 5 million
Europe’s strategic answer to innovation gaps in security
With the GSIS Accelerator – powered by Speer Group, the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) introduced a strategic initiative in 2025 aimed at addressing Europe’s security-related innovation gaps. The programme focused on start-ups developing high-impact technologies in the fields of security, defence, and resilience.
As part of GSIS 2025 in Hamburg, selected start-ups were invited to present their solutions to an international audience of industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and strategic institutions. From more than 200 applications, five young and innovative companies were chosen to pitch their technologies live on stage, highlighting Europe’s strong potential to deliver practical and sustainable security solutions.
The GSIS Accelerator 2025 was supported by Speer Group as exclusive venture partner. Depending on individual assessment, selected companies were given the opportunity to enter an investment process of up to EUR 5 million, subject to due diligence and standard contractual negotiations.
Beyond visibility, the accelerator served as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration between start-ups, industry, policymakers, and institutions, with a shared objective: strengthening Europe’s security and resilience through innovation.
Reflecting on the programme, Max Büchner, CEO of Speer Group and GSIS Venture Partner, underlined the quality of the participating companies: “The quality of applications shows that Europe has enormous innovation potential. We do not invest in trends but in solutions that strengthen our security in a sustainable way.”
“Technology and Innovation are crucial factors for European security. The Accelerator combines start-up intelligence with strategic relevance – exactly what Europe needs now.”
Dr Bastian Giegerich
Director-General and Chief Executive of IISS
“With GSIS and the Accelerator, we are creating a unique meeting point for innovation, responsibility, and execution – right in the heart of Europe. Hamburg offers the ideal stage for it.”
Heiko M. Stutzinger
CEO of Hamburg Messe and Congress GmbH
“We don’t invest in trends, we invest in solutions that strengthen Europe’s security and resilience. Alongside capital, we provide access to strategic networks and experts who help companies scale and secure Europe’s capacity to act.”
Max Buechner
Chief Executive Officer of Speer Group
“Europe cannot afford to fall behind in the strategic race for technology. The GSIS Accelerator creates a platform where security-relevant innovations become visible, investable, and politically connected.”
Dimitrios Argirakos
Executive Chair of GSIS