#FollowCyberminds
Meet Emer Mugisha, Co-Founder of Cyberminds.
Emer Mugisha is the driving force behind Cyberminds, an innovative learning platform transforming how people approach cybersecurity. With a background spanning social care, senior operations, and entrepreneurship, Emer saw a gap in how digital safety was taught — often complex, unengaging, and out of reach for many. Through Cyberminds, she’s on a mission to make cybersecurity education accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Launched in 2025, the platform delivers gamified, bite-sized lessons via mobile app, breaking down barriers and empowering users to build confidence and skills in a field that touches every part of modern life.
As an AwakenClub member, Emer is passionate about sharing her journey and supporting other women founders to grow, connect, and thrive.
Describe yourself in 6 words or less
Resilient dreamer, leader, grounded by Faith.
Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it
My journey to founding Cyberminds began with one key observation: the widening cybersecurity skills gap. Industries were grappling with over 3.5 million unfilled roles, and over 80% of cyberattacks involved human error. Traditional cybersecurity education—often complex and unengaging—failed to address this, especially among young adults, career switchers, and vulnerable populations.
This reality, combined with watching my husband and co-founder Joshua (a seasoned cybersecurity professional) endure long, tedious lectures, ignited my mission: to democratise cybersecurity education.
In 2024, we developed a mobile-first digital education platform offering gamified, bite-sized lessons. Our approach tackles both the complexity and the perception that cybersecurity is “geeky,” transforming it into something engaging, accessible, and fun. We also shifted the industry’s aesthetic—moving from the typical dark vibe to bright, inviting colours that make learning feel less intimidating.
Our MVP launched in Q2 2025 on iOS and Android.
Tell us a little more about you
I’m from Navan and lived in Uganda for 16 years. I began my career in social care, then moved into operations management, progressing to C-suite level. In 2017, I discovered my love of entrepreneurship through real estate (flipping), completing four projects before returning to Ireland in December 2022.
Initially, I planned to return to employment, and for nine months I worked as Head of Group Operations for a local company. But the entrepreneurial bug had bitten too hard. Listening to my husband highlight industry-wide cybersecurity issues made me see a small crack in a huge market that we could fill.
Tell us about your female founder journey
I take great pride in being a female founder. Honestly, it wasn’t something I ever imagined for myself—it wasn’t encouraged where I grew up. But I love the challenge, and I enjoy surprising people when I tell them what I do, as I don’t exactly fit the typical image of a cybersecurity founder in this male-dominated industry.
How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
The networking and support have been invaluable. There are women much further ahead on their journeys who are making huge strides—it’s like rocket fuel for me. The check-ins with Sinéad are incredible; I never leave a meeting without being signposted in a new direction.
Do you have an ‘ask’ for fellow #AwakenHubbers?
We’re just a week into launching our product on Google and Apple. We’d greatly appreciate downloads and reviews of our app: Hack & Defend: Cyberminds (available on both platforms). There’s no obligation to subscribe—there’s a skip button at the top right corner.
As a founder, what are your non-negotiables?
Integrity—no cutting corners or quick wins. (It was recently suggested to me to “buy” downloads for our app as “everyone does it”…that’s a hard no.)
I believe in transparency and taking accountability for my decisions. Recently, I’ve been inspired by the School of Hard Knocks vlogger, who interviews successful businesspeople—their stories are a reminder that resilience is key.
My favourite quote right now is from Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn:
“If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.”
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years?
In 12 months:
I see myself sharper, more battle-hardened, and probably having made a few more mistakes! I’d like Cyberminds to be not just stable but growing, with stronger relationships, a solid, motivated team, and a clearer vision for the next big move.
In 5 years:
I want to be leading a company that’s genuinely making waves—recognised for innovation, reliability, and impact. I want Cyberminds’ culture to attract top talent and make partners come knocking. Personally, I hope to be more than just a founder but also a mentor who has helped others grow and succeed. Financially, I’d like the business to be self-sustaining and thriving so I can dream even bigger.
Top 3 tips for other women founders
Own your ideas, your style, your strengths—own your voice and don’t shrink or tone it down.
Build a network of fellow women founders, mentors, and allies who understand your journey.
Remember that not every door that opens needs to be walked through—it’s OK to say no.
Six words to live by
Remember why you started—Be Thankful.
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