At the upcoming Infosecurity Europe 2026, five innovative cybersecurity startups are poised to make a significant impact by participating in a competition designed to showcase their cutting-edge technologies. This event offers these emerging companies a unique platform to present their bold ideas while establishing direct connections with potential customers, partners, and investors.
For 2026, the Infosecurity Europe Cyber Startup competition features a new component: a specially designated section on the exhibition floor known as the Cyber Startups Zone. This initiative aims to highlight the growing influence and importance of startups within the cybersecurity landscape, providing them an optimal setting to demonstrate their capabilities.
The competition is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, where the five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their concepts live on stage. An audience comprised of senior industry leaders, investors, and potential buyers will be present, offering the startups a chance to make a lasting impression.
Among the esteemed judges for this competition is Shlomo Kramer, a notable figure within the global cybersecurity industry. As a founder and investor in trailblazing companies such as Check Point, Palo Alto Networks, Imperva, Cato Networks, and Sumo Logic, his expertise positions him well to identify the next wave of innovative startups in cybersecurity. Joining him on the panel will be Mun Valiji, Group CISO at the specialist banking group Close Brothers, and Kirsty Kelly, Group CISO at CFC Insurance Provider Underwriting. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will provide valuable insights into the potential of each participating startup.
The winner of the Cyber Startup competition will receive an enticing prize package, which includes a complimentary exhibition stand at Infosecurity Europe 2027, public relations support from the cybersecurity PR agency Origin Communications, and a workshop package from Dusted, a consultancy specializing in future branding. This prize, designed to further amplify the winner’s visibility and impact within the industry, reflects the commitment to nurturing innovation in cybersecurity.
The Competitors
Cytidel, one of the competitors, has developed a vulnerability intelligence platform aimed at providing organizations with real-time intelligence concerning their security posture. This innovative solution bridges the gap between security tooling and informed decision-making, allowing users to focus on the most critical vulnerabilities, assess risks based on threat actors’ activities, and prioritize actions accordingly. By adopting an intelligence-led approach, Cytidel empowers cybersecurity teams to transition from a predominantly reactive posture to a more proactive strategy, significantly reducing noise and improving resource utilization. Founded in 2022 and based in Castlebar, Mayo, Ireland, Cytidel is striving to address the escalating challenges of an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Another remarkable contender, Datambit Limited, specializes in advanced detection technologies for deepfakes in both audio and visual media. Acknowledging the increasing proliferation of synthetic media – including AI-generated deepfakes – which poses risks of fraud, misinformation, and national security threats, Datambit aims to restore trust in digital evidence. Their platform delivers accurate assessments on whether audio or video content is manipulated, thus assisting in investigative and operational undertakings. Established in 2023 and headquartered in London, Datambit is steering the conversation around digital authenticity in a time of growing skepticism.
Konvu presents itself as an AI-driven vulnerability triage platform aimed at automating security processes and enhancing efficiency. This innovative solution interfaces seamlessly with existing enterprise systems, utilizing agent-driven checks to yield reliable exploitability insights within established workflows. In a landscape where cyber threats evolve at an alarming rate, Konvu is focused on enabling organizations to expedite their investigative processes and make informed decisions swiftly. Founded in 2024 and located in New York, USA, Konvu embodies a forward-thinking approach to vulnerability management.
The platform Ploy offers advanced access intelligence designed to empower security teams with unparalleled visibility into organizational access controls. With identity-related attacks constituting 80% of breaches, Ploy’s autonomous identity management tools address these critical vulnerabilities head-on. Founded by Jacob Prime and Harry Lucas in 2023 and also based in London, Ploy is dedicated to revolutionizing the way organizations manage access to sensitive information.
Lastly, Red Carbon is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to bolster Security Operations Centers (SOCs) in managing alerts and minimizing false positives. By harnessing a workforce of six AI analysts, Red Carbon delivers automated analyses, enhancing operational efficiency and alleviating alert fatigue among cybersecurity personnel. Established in 2020 and situated in Torino, Italy, Red Carbon is determined to improve the operational capabilities of IT security teams.
As Infosecurity Europe 2026 approaches, the anticipation surrounding these startups is palpable. Their participation not only highlights the innovative spirit of the cybersecurity industry but also demonstrates the essential role of startups in fostering new ideas and solutions to combat growing cyber threats. With their pitches soon to be unleashed on a global stage, each startup is on the cusp of potentially transforming the cybersecurity landscape.