Who enters the Global Security Challenge (GSC) competitions?

Last year, 42% of applications originated from universities, 12% from corporate spin-outs, 29% from unaffiliated entrepreneurs and 17% from other sources.  Geographically, the split of entries was 23% from Asia, 44% from Europe and 33% from the Americas.

Why should I enter?

If you have an innovative security technology idea, then we encourage you to enter a GSC competition.

Should you become a finalist in our competitions you will benefit from cash awards and mentorship, as well as invaluable publicity and exposure to venture capitalists, government officials, industry leaders and the media.  For a list of competitions and prizes, see the 'Competitions' section of the website.

Top contenders from previous competitions have subsequently raised over $78 million in new capital. 

Do I have to pay an entry fee to participate?

No, all GSC competitions are free of charge.

Can I enter several competitions per year?

Yes, you can enter multiple competitions run by the GSC during the year. Our various challenges ask different questions, have different criteria and judging committee members, so we encourage you to apply often and learn from your feedback.

Where can I find feedback on my entry?

All decisions and feedback are communicated back to you via our Online Community. You have to log-into the GSC Online Community and then click on the name of the competition you submitted your idea to in order to view the feedback.

Where can I find the application forms?

To apply for any of our competitions you must submit an online application form.  The application forms can be found in the GSC online community section (you must be a member of the GSC online community to enter a competition).

How much time does the submission process take?

The application forms can be completed in one session (approx. 1-2 hours) or can be saved, altered and submitted at a later date.

The online application forms for all competitions consist of a series of questions on topics including: the benefits of your technology; your team; the market you wish to enter; and your future business plan.

For idea competitions, submitting the application form completes your entry.

If you are successful in the initial application form round for the Best Security SME or the Most Promising Security Start-Up (categories of the Global Security Challenge Competition), you will then enter the second round of judging.  This will entail answering a few additional questions about your business model.

If you are successful following the second round you will then be invited to showcase your innovation at a regional event, held across Europe, Asia and North America.  Finalists from the regional events will then advance to the grand final, held at the GSC Security Summit in London, 2010.

Where can I find advice for competing in the competitions?  

The GSC Most Promising Start-Up winner from 2007, NoblePeak Vision, offers valuable lessons learned and tips on how to complete your application form in a short interview on our blog.   

Additional tips and advice can be found in the GSC online forum.  You can also post questions to the GSC team there.

What are previous competition finalists doing now?

Top contenders from previous competitions have subsequently raised over $78 million in new capital.  See below for more details:

• The Global Security Challenge winner in 2007 was NoblePeak Vision from Massachusetts, which has developed breakthrough night vision surveillance camera cores and components.  They raised $12 million in a subsequent funding round, led by Chart Venture Partners of New York.

  "Customer interest in our night vision technology soared from the publicity we received after winning the 2007 Global Security Challenge" said Cliff King, NoblePeak's Founder and COO.  "As a direct result we are now developing new camera systems with major OEM's for market launch in 2009."

• The Global Security Challenge winner in 2006 was Ingenia Technology, a UK start-up that developed a novel laser technology to authenticate documents and products.  Ingenia received a significant contract from a US Federal Law Enforcement agency and launched a partnership with Bayer AG in Germany.

  Mark McGlade, Director of Business Development said: "Ingenia Technology experienced a phenomenal year since winning the first Global Security Challenge in 2006."

• Privaris - a biometric identification solution provider and 2008 GSC Semi-Finalist, raised $2.5 million in venture funding in November 2008.

• Metaforic - a leading provider of anti-tamper solutions and 2008 GSC Semi-Finalist, closed a $2 million funding round from software specialist venture capitalists Pentech Ventures.  The money enables the company to enter the US market.

• iViZ - an automated penetration testing software and 2007 GSC finalist, raised $2.5 million in a funding round in December 2007.

  Bala Girisaballa, Vice President of iViZ said: "Getting shortlisted at Global Security Challenge has helped us to get global credibility.  We congratulate GSC for providing a fantastic platform for upcoming innovative companies in the security space."

• Vumii - a video surveillance software maker and 2006 GSC finalist, has raised $3.9 million in funding.

  Randal Foster, CEO of Vumii, contributed a lot of its success to the GSC by saying: "As a direct result from our participation in the GSC, Vumii acquired increased global credibility and benefited from greater global brand recognition from the investment community, security solution community, and potential employee population."

• Secerno - a database security start-up and 2006 GSC finalist, raised $16 million in a funding round led by London's Amadeus Capital.

How can I stay in touch with the GSC?

A great way to stay in touch with GSC, and to read about current news and other security related events, is by receiving the online GSC Newsletter.  The newsletter is distributed on a monthly basis.

To register for the GSC Newsletter, please email your details with 'Newsletter subscription' in the subject field, to: [email protected]

Also, don't forget to join the GSC Online Community to receive updates on competitions, events and awards!

How can I sponsor or provide a speech at this year's conference?

The GSC has been honored to have had some exceptional sponsors and speakers at our worldwide conferences in the past. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the GSC and its conferences, please email us at: [email protected]