Trust and Identity Incubator Mentorship Programme

Attracting emerging talent to the field of trust and identity

What is TIM?

The Trust and Identity Incubator Mentorship Programme (TIM) brings together ambitious young minds with industry experts, to advance innovative solutions in trust and identity (T&I). The programme aims to develop the next generation of T&I researchers, and explore innovative new T&I concepts, products and services.

The TIM Programme is a seven-month paid mentorship funded by the GÉANT GN5-2 project (which is supported by the European Commission and GÉANT's member NRENs). It is developed for young professionals with a passion for T&I who are studying, (or are recent graduates of), computer science, engineering or a related subject. Programme participants can earn while they learn from some of the best in the field!

Applications for TIM26 are now closed. The next TIM cycle will open in early 2026. For more details or to register your interest, please contact the GLAD team via the online form.

Timeline

Registration opens: 25 June 2025
Registration closes: 5 August 2025
TIM26 selection process: 6 August - 22 August 2025
Contract set up/onboarding for successful participant(s): 25 August – 25 September 2025
Incubator team kick-off meeting: 1 October 2025 (Central European location)
TIM26 Programme start: early October 2025
Incubator cycle and TIM26 Programme end: April 2026
Trust and Identity Incubator 2025 team

Who can apply

We're looking for Bachelors, Masters, or PhD students, or recent graduates in computer science, engineering, or related tech fields.

Applicants will be registered at a university in a GÉANT partner country or an early career professional in the NREN community.

Requirements:

  • Strong academic background in the field of technology.
  • Keen interest in trust and identity.
  • Available up to three days a week, for seven months from the project start date.
  • Available to attend the kick-off meeting in person (Central European location).
  • Good command of English, both spoken and written.
  • Applicants must be nominated and registered by a GÉANT Member NREN.

Application process

  1. NRENs promote the programme to their member universities and research institutions and identify and select candidates. Alternatively, students and young professionals can be connected to their local NREN via the GLAD team.
  2. The student's local NREN will review their proposal and identify a local mentor. Note that the local NREN must be able to set up a suitable employment contract to enable payment to be made to their successful candidates. Reimbursement can be recharged via the GN5-2 Project reclaim process.
  3. Applications are submitted via an online form.

Applications should include:

  • Student’s CV.
  • Student’s motivation letter.
  • Sponsoring NREN’s motivation letter.
Jovan

"If you're thinking about joining the TIM Programme - don’t hesitate! For me, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. Learning from international experts, gaining practical skills and building a professional network, all while being supported and financially compensated, was an opportunity not to be missed."
Jovan Simonoski

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Benefits to students

The Trust and Identity Incubator Mentorship Programme offers a fantastic opportunity to develop an innovative project on a European scale, guided by industry experts.

TIM presents a unique chance for learning and professional growth, including:

  • A paid professional mentorship (which can be combined with thesis writing).
  • Collaboration with an international team of trust and identity experts.
  • Support from a local mentor.
  • Training and skills development, including public speaking.
  • Professional networking and future employment opportunities.
Benefits for NRENs

TIM enables NRENs to build local trust and identity expertise, learn from experienced SMEs, develop new products and services, and potentially expand their service portfolios. It also strengthens relationships with member institutions and connects with the next generation of talent.

To be eligible to participate, NRENs must:

  • Be a member of the GÉANT GN5.2 project.
  • Provide a mentor to support the participant. The mentor should commit half to one day per week over the seven-month period. (Time will be reimbursed).
  • Facilitate a contract with the successful participant to administer a paid mentorship. (Per their local HR and legal requirements).

Students and mentors both receive compensation for their time working in the incubator, and the process of reimbursements is defined under the financial rules of the GÉANT GN5.2 project.
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