Five Finalist Startups to Showcase a Diverse Set of Innovations That Make the Digital World Safer, More Secure, and More Reliable.
Fulton, Md., Oct. 5, 2026 — DataTribe, an early-stage cyber venture firm and startup foundry that works hands-on with founders to build next-generation cybersecurity companies, today announced five finalists for the 2026 DataTribe Challenge.
The finalists will share $25,000 in prize money and work with DataTribe principals and experienced cybersecurity entrepreneurs to sharpen their messaging and prepare their pitches for a live competition before expert judges, prospective investors, customers, and fellow founders.
“The AI-driven speed, scale, and complexity of today’s digital world are changing the rules for security and trust. We need new approaches to protecting enterprises and managing risk,” said Leo Scott, DataTribe Managing Director. “These five finalists are meeting that challenge with a diverse set of innovative solutions that lay the groundwork for a more secure, resilient digital future.”
This year’s competition will be part of the Cyber Innovation Conference (CIC), held October 26–27 at Capital Turnaround in Washington, D.C. CIC brings together leaders shaping the future of cyber: startups, deep-tech researchers, investors, and senior security executives exploring the future of cybersecurity amid transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and confidential compute.
- Day 1 (October 26): DMV Rising. An industry-wide convening of CISOs, enterprise security leaders, federal stakeholders, and operators shaping cyber in the Washington, D.C. metro ecosystem.
- Day 2 (October 27): Startup Innovation Day & DataTribe Challenge. A showcase of breakthrough cyber innovations, building to a high-stakes pitch competition as five finalists vie to win the DataTribe Challenge.
The Ninth Annual DataTribe Challenge Finalists are:
An expert panel of cybersecurity leaders will judge each finalist’s presentation and select a winner. This year’s judges include:
- Matt Dunlop – SVP, Cybersecurity & Engineering at Visa
- Rob Joyce – Former Cybersecurity Director at NSA
- Mike Janke – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, DataTribe
- Madison Horn – Chief Advisor, National Security & Critical Infrastructure at WWT
- Ron Gula – President & Co-Founder, Gula Tech Adventures, Co-Founder of Tenable
For more information about the DataTribe Challenge and Cyber Innovation Conference, please visit cyberinnovationconference.com/challenge.
About DataTribe
DataTribe is a cyber-focused, early-stage venture firm that invests early and deeply engages with founders. Our focused thesis is rooted in the belief that the most consequential cyber innovations emerge from offensive, nation-state environments. We leverage insights, technologies, and exceptional talent from these communities to help translate them into scalable defensive products for commercial markets. DataTribe is headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area in Fulton, Maryland. For more information, visit datatribe.com.
