The RSA Conference™, known as the world’s leading information security conferences and expositions, has officially opened submissions for the 20th annual RSAC Innovation Sandbox and fifth annual Launch Pad contests. These competitions aim to showcase emerging cybersecurity companies and provide them with a platform to present innovative solutions to industry experts.
Since its inception in 2005, the RSAC Innovation Sandbox has been a pivotal event for cybersecurity startups, offering them the opportunity to compete for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” The contest has served as a launchpad for many successful companies, with previous finalists collectively raising over $16.4 billion in investments and participating in numerous merger and acquisition transactions. Notable acquisitions include Wiz acquiring Dazz and Talon Cyber Security being acquired by Palo Alto Networks. The contest has featured over 190 companies, including well-known finalists like Imperva, SentinelOne, Axonius, and Reality Defender, the winner of the 2024 competition.
Qualified startups interested in participating in the RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest can submit their entries online by the deadline of 8 p.m. PT on Friday, February 14, 2025. The Top 10 Finalists will be announced in early April, and the selected companies will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to a panel of expert judges.
Industry experts, such as RSAC ISB Judge Paul Kocher, emphasize the significance of the Innovation Sandbox contest in fostering new technology in the cybersecurity sector. The event serves as a platform for startups to engage with potential customers, investors, and employees, ultimately boosting their visibility and credibility in the industry. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the competition, RSA Conference has introduced a new investment program, awarding each of the Top 10 Finalists with a $5 million investment to support their cybersecurity innovations.
For early-stage companies not yet ready for the Innovation Sandbox stage, the RSAC Launch Pad offers a platform for innovators to pitch their ideas to a panel of venture capitalists. This engaging session provides participants with strategic advice and community exposure. Submissions for the Launch Pad contest are open until February 14, 2025, with Finalists scheduled to present at the Conference on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In addition to the contests, RSA Conference 2025 will feature various innovation programs, including the RSAC Early Stage Expo and RSAC Next Stage. The Early Stage Expo provides a platform for promising startups under five years old, while Next Stage showcases rapidly growing startups with new innovative technologies.
The competition criteria for the RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest include factors such as the product’s launch date, market problem addressed, originality, impact potential, client validation, management team experience, revenue status, and live demonstration capability. Following the submission deadline, entries will be evaluated by a global panel of judges, and the Top 10 Finalists will be notified in mid-March 2025.
Overall, the RSA Conference serves as a premier platform for the cybersecurity community to discuss current challenges, access expert insights, and advance cybersecurity practices. Through events like the RSAC Innovation Sandbox and Launch Pad contests, the conference continues to support and promote innovation in the industry, empowering companies to enhance their cybersecurity posture and stay ahead of cyber threats. For more information about RSA Conference 2025, visit https://www.rsaconference.com/usa.