RSAC Conference Launches Annual Innovation Sandbox Contest for Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship
The renowned RSA Conference LLC (RSAC) has commenced its annual call for submissions for the highly-anticipated RSAC Innovation Sandbox and Launch Pad contests. This year’s submission window remains open until November 14, 2025, allowing aspiring cybersecurity innovators to pitch their groundbreaking ideas. Since its inception in 2005, the Innovation Sandbox has rapidly become a prestigious showcase for emerging cybersecurity companies, offering them the chance to vie for the title of "Most Innovative Startup." The top 10 finalists will have the opportunity to present their ideas to an esteemed panel of judges, including prominent industry experts such as David Chen from Morgan Stanley and Larry Feinsmith from JPMorgan Chase, among others.
Dr. Hugh Thompson, RSAC's Executive Chairman and Program Committee Chair, expressed excitement about this year’s contest, noting that it serves as a valuable platform for growing companies to establish their presence in the cybersecurity realm. He emphasized that the contest not only recognizes innovation but also enhances the skills of participants. "Even those who do not become finalists will refine their pitches and gain invaluable experience that elevates them amid their competitors," Dr. Thompson stated.
The contest's impact is evidenced by the success stories of past finalists who have collectively raised over $17.8 billion through investments and participated in over 100 mergers and acquisitions throughout its 20-year history. Noteworthy graduates of the Innovation Sandbox, such as Imperva, SentinelOne, and Axonius, demonstrate the platform's role as a springboard for startups striving for success.
In addition to the Innovation Sandbox, the RSAC lineup includes the RSAC Launch Pad, a segment that supports early-stage startups by offering them an opportunity to pitch in front of top-tier venture capitalists, akin to a "Shark Tank" format. This year’s judges include Sarah Guo from Conviction Partners and Barmak Meftah from Ballistic Ventures, who will offer strategic insights to participants. Finalists from the Launch Pad will also present at the RSAC 2026 Conference, amplifying their visibility within the vast cybersecurity community.
Finalists from both contests will have the chance to present their innovations to an audience of over 44,000 attendees, including 400+ media representatives and a wide array of investors focused on cybersecurity innovations. This spotlight not only fosters engagement for the finalists but also creates opportunities for collaboration and investment.
For interested startups looking to take part, submission guidelines and further details can be found on the RSAC website. Participants are encouraged to act promptly as the deadline approaches. Over the years, many companies have turned their Innovation Sandbox experiences into successful ventures, bolstering their growth trajectories dramatically.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the RSAC remains committed to serving as a nexus for innovation and collaboration. The insights garnered from these contests offer a glimpse into the future, spotlighting the ingenious minds working towards a more secure digital environment. With events scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 26, 2026 in San Francisco, anticipation builds for what groundbreaking concepts will emerge from this year’s competition, shaping the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. Interested parties can monitor updates on the RSAC’s official website as the conference approaches and explore the transformative ideas presented by some of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs.
In a statement reflecting the essence of the RSAC events, Niloofar Razi, one of the judges, remarked, "This contest serves as a launchpad for innovation that defines the future of cybersecurity. Each year, we witness creativity and bold ideas that reassure us of the promising landscape ahead."
Overall, the RSAC conference and its affiliated contests continue to be instrumental in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of robust security measures for our increasingly digital world.
Dr. Hugh Thompson, RSAC's Executive Chairman and Program Committee Chair, expressed excitement about this year’s contest, noting that it serves as a valuable platform for growing companies to establish their presence in the cybersecurity realm. He emphasized that the contest not only recognizes innovation but also enhances the skills of participants. "Even those who do not become finalists will refine their pitches and gain invaluable experience that elevates them amid their competitors," Dr. Thompson stated.
The contest's impact is evidenced by the success stories of past finalists who have collectively raised over $17.8 billion through investments and participated in over 100 mergers and acquisitions throughout its 20-year history. Noteworthy graduates of the Innovation Sandbox, such as Imperva, SentinelOne, and Axonius, demonstrate the platform's role as a springboard for startups striving for success.
In addition to the Innovation Sandbox, the RSAC lineup includes the RSAC Launch Pad, a segment that supports early-stage startups by offering them an opportunity to pitch in front of top-tier venture capitalists, akin to a "Shark Tank" format. This year’s judges include Sarah Guo from Conviction Partners and Barmak Meftah from Ballistic Ventures, who will offer strategic insights to participants. Finalists from the Launch Pad will also present at the RSAC 2026 Conference, amplifying their visibility within the vast cybersecurity community.
Finalists from both contests will have the chance to present their innovations to an audience of over 44,000 attendees, including 400+ media representatives and a wide array of investors focused on cybersecurity innovations. This spotlight not only fosters engagement for the finalists but also creates opportunities for collaboration and investment.
For interested startups looking to take part, submission guidelines and further details can be found on the RSAC website. Participants are encouraged to act promptly as the deadline approaches. Over the years, many companies have turned their Innovation Sandbox experiences into successful ventures, bolstering their growth trajectories dramatically.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the RSAC remains committed to serving as a nexus for innovation and collaboration. The insights garnered from these contests offer a glimpse into the future, spotlighting the ingenious minds working towards a more secure digital environment. With events scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 26, 2026 in San Francisco, anticipation builds for what groundbreaking concepts will emerge from this year’s competition, shaping the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. Interested parties can monitor updates on the RSAC’s official website as the conference approaches and explore the transformative ideas presented by some of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs.
In a statement reflecting the essence of the RSAC events, Niloofar Razi, one of the judges, remarked, "This contest serves as a launchpad for innovation that defines the future of cybersecurity. Each year, we witness creativity and bold ideas that reassure us of the promising landscape ahead."
Overall, the RSAC conference and its affiliated contests continue to be instrumental in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of robust security measures for our increasingly digital world.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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