Trustworthy AI and Cybersecurity for Sustainable Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure needs to be secure in order to be sustainable.
Crispin Leick, MD EnBW New Ventures

This conviction drives our investment in Validaitor – a pioneer in trustworthy AI and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

As digitalization accelerates, infrastructure systems become more interconnected, more intelligent – and more vulnerable. Cybersecurity is no longer a technical add-on. It’s a strategic necessity. In this article, we explore why AI governance is essential for infrastructure resilience, how Validaitor is leading the way, and what we’re looking for at ENV.

The new reality: Infrastructure is digital – and exposed

Operators of critical infrastructure face mounting challenges in today’s digital landscape. From securing complex, interconnected systems to mitigating financial and reputational risks, the stakes have never been higher. Ensuring operational continuity, meeting evolving regulatory requirements, and protecting sensitive customer data are now fundamental priorities.

Traditional cybersecurity tools are proving insufficient in this new era. AI is increasingly embedded in infrastructure operations, powering advancements like predictive maintenance and energy optimization. However, without robust governance frameworks, AI introduces new risks such as bias, opacity, non-compliance, and even system failures. These vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for trustworthy AI systems that prioritize security and compliance.

Validaitor: Building trust in AI systems

This is where Validaitor steps in. Their innovative platform empowers companies to govern and validate AI systems in alignment with current and future regulations, including the EU AI Act. By addressing critical gaps in AI governance, Validaitor is setting new standards for secure and compliant infrastructure.

Validaitor’s solution is designed to meet the complex needs of modern infrastructure operators. It automates assessments of AI models, enabling organizations to rapidly identify risks and inefficiencies. The platform provides actionable roadmaps for improvement, grounded in trustworthy AI principles, and supports compliance with frameworks such as the EU AI Act, ISO 42001, and NIST AI RMF. Collaboration tools facilitate seamless communication across cross-functional teams, while integration into existing development workflows ensures minimal disruption to operations.

Whether it’s bias detection, robustness testing, or explainability, Validaitor equips organizations to unlock the full potential of AI while maintaining safety and compliance.

Interview with Yunus, CEO of Validaitor

Why we invested

We firmly believe that security is a prerequisite for sustainability. This conviction led us to partner with Bitdefender, KIT, and MBG Baden-Württemberg GmbH to support Yunus Bulut and the talented team at Validaitor.

Validaitor aligns perfectly with our vision for advancing infrastructure resilience. Their solutions enable organizations to lower the total cost of ownership for AI systems, reducing long-term operational expenses. By making infrastructure smarter and more resilient, Validaitor fosters adaptability to evolving challenges. Furthermore, their focus on enhancing trust and transparency in digital operations helps build confidence among stakeholders, ensuring that AI systems remain both reliable and secure.

What are we looking for at ENV?

EnBW New Ventures actively seeks startups that share our commitment to building secure and sustainable infrastructure. We are particularly interested in solutions that strengthen cybersecurity in infrastructure systems, enable responsible AI deployment through governance and validation, and support compliance with emerging regulations. Additionally, we value innovations that enhance operational resilience through cutting-edge digital technologies.

If your startup is developing solutions that empower infrastructure through security and trust, we encourage you to reach out. At ENV, we understand that infrastructure isn’t just built—it’s secured, governed, and empowered.

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