It is now time for Cycle 12 of the Trust & Identity Incubator Mentorship programme (TIM). Applications will open from 19 March 2026 and close on 1 May 2026. 

Learn from those who have been there

The TIM programme connects students and recent graduates with experts from GÉANT and NRENs to work on real Trust & Identity (T&I) challenges. Reflecting on his experience, former participant Jovan Simonoski shared

“Throughout the whole of my TIM experience I received guidance every step of the way. Either from my local mentor who encouraged me to explore innovative solutions, or the training provided with a mentor for public speaking in order to prepare for my final presentation.

TIM also provided me with the opportunity to travel, where I attended the kick-off meeting in Budapest, Hungary which was a really amazing networking opportunity.”

For many participants, TIM has acted as a bridge between academic studies and a future career in T&I, resulting in several participants being employed by their NRENS, providing an important talent pipeline in this specialised field.

Anna Kardos, who completed her TIM mentorship in 2023, described her experience:

“Being part of the Incubator team is an amazing learning opportunity and experience. It’s great to be part of an international community, and get a glimpse into what working in this field looks like.”

What the TIM experience offers

TIM participants join the GÉANT T&I Incubator team in activities that explore and mature new ideas and technologies for research and education. Previous cycles have helped advance topics such as OpenID Federation, Digital Wallets, and new service features that improve privacy and interoperability across the T&I ecosystem. The programme combines hands-on project work with personalised support. As alumnus Domonkos Baczo recalls:

“It was a wonderful experience, because I could work with novel and cutting edge technologies along with a team of kind and helpful people…I also had a mentor who supported me when I needed help with a task, and I was able to learn a lot from him.”

Participants are guided by both local mentors and T&I Incubator experts, ensuring they are supported as they grow their skills and contribute to real outcomes.

Growing your professional skills

Alongside technical knowledge, TIM is designed to build the broader skills needed in a professional environment. The GÉANT Learning and Development (GLAD) team supports students throughout the programme with training opportunities, including presentation coaching and other development activities that help them communicate their work and prepare for the next steps in their careers.

Former participant Aleksandr Petrunin highlights:

“The TIM programme has not only equipped me with technical expertise, but has also cultivated a range of transferable skills crucial for success in any professional setting.”

From collaborating in an international team, to presenting project outcomes to the community, TIM offers a structured yet supportive space to learn and experiment.

Key dates and who can apply

Applications for Cycle 12 open on 19 March 2026, and close 1 May 2026. Cycle 12 will begin with an in-person kick-off meeting on 27-29 May 2026, where participants will meet their mentors and peers, and start planning their projects together. This meeting initiates the start of a new round of collaboration between emerging talent and the wider T&I Incubator activities.

TIM is open to final year Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, in addition to recent graduates with a strong academic link to Computer Science, Engineering, or related technology fields and a genuine interest in T&I. Participants must be nominated and registered by a GÉANT Member NREN.

How to get involved

If you are interested in developing your T&I expertise, gaining practical experience and contributing to innovation in the research and education community, TIM offers a unique opportunity to do so while being supported and financially compensated. As Jovan described:

“If you are thinking about joining TIM – don’t hesitate. For me, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. In fact, my bachelor thesis was based on the work I did during the project.

Learning from international experts, gaining practical skills, building a professional network, all while being supported and financially compensated, it’s an opportunity I’m grateful I didn’t miss out on!”

For more information on applications and nomination procedures, visit the TIM programme pages and the Incubator dashboard.

You can also contact GLAD for more support.