CommunicationPublished on 24 May 2024
Call for the Cyber Startup Challenge 2024
The Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), is looking for innovative technologies. For this purpose, it is launching a Cyber Startup Challenge for the fourth time. The topic: Security of artificial intelligence. Applications are possible until 31 August 2024.
The aim of the Cyber Startup Challenge 2024 is to explore the startup technology landscape around the topic of «Security of artificial intelligence» and in doing so to present innovative technologies to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
Companies are invited to register for the challenge and submit their solutions. The three start-ups with the most promising solutions will be allowed to present their idea at the Cyber-Defence Campus Conference on 30 October 2024 in Bern.
A jury of experts and DDPS stakeholders will select one company as the winner of the Startup Challenge at the end of the conference. The selected startup will receive an order worth up to CHF 100,000 for the integration of a proof of concept of their technology into the DDPS environment.
This challenge is not a call for tenders but a market exploration. Promising technologies are identified that best meet the requirements of the Department of Defence.
We are looking for innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions with a wide range of possible applications. The technology does not have to be fully developed yet, but a convincing proof of concept (PoC) should be achievable within one year and with less than CHF 100,000.
The aim is to use AI in the field of security and defence. The technologies can cover various areas of application. For example, technologies that expand the potential of AI technologies in the defence sector or demonstrate innovations in the area of security checks are conceivable.
We are not focussing on specific types of models. For example, this technology could help to test models against common attacks and measure their robustness and resilience, or provide alternative methods for assessing the security of AI.
We do not seek solutions that require significant changes to infrastructure or that could pose risks. We are not interested in concepts, studies or solutions that are at a very early stage of development. We are not interested in consulting proposals or non-technical solutions.
1. The start-up is less than eight years old as of October 2024
2. The founders are still investors and actively involved in the
3. The company has at least three employees, including active founders
4. The finalist of the Challenge receives a contract to integrate the proof of concept of the technology in the DDPS
5. The contract won has a maximum value of CHF 100,000. The value is based on the amount of work required to integrate the proof of feasibility
6. The proof of concept is supported by the Cyber Defence Campus
7. This challenge is neither a competition nor a tender. It is a market research challenge to find a promising technology that best meets the needs of the DDPS around the threat of cyber espionage. Participation by companies is voluntary.
8. The proof of feasibility does not aim to be effectively implemented in operation
9. Any acquisition will be through a tender process and proof of feasibility is not a guarantee of an additional mandate or purchase
10. All companies participating in the Challenge, i.e. not only the winning company, will be included in a tender and further challenges
11. The company accepts the General Terms and Conditions of the Confederation (GTC) without reservation. Suppliers who make changes (additions/adjustments) will be excluded from the Challenge.
- Technology is related to AI security testing
- Technological relevance and usability for the Swiss defence sector
- Feasibility of the project
- Innovation factor and impact potential for the Swiss defence sector
- Viability of the technology concept
- Dual use (civilian, military)
- Companies from Switzerland are rated higher; however, the start-up can be international.
- The start-up must complete the registration template of the call and send the document to the address provided.
- The Cyber Defence Campus will select the ten best companies and ask for more information and details.
- The top three companies will be invited to give a presentation of their company and technology.
- During the Cyber Defence Campus Conference, the three finalists will give a 10-minute pitch and the company with the best score will be crowned the winner.
- Registration deadline 31.08.2024
- Selection of the ten best solutions 08.09.2024
- The best three start-ups present themselves to the DDPS 13.09.2024
- CYD Campus Conference: Presentation of the three best solutions and announcement of the winner 30.10.2024
What are you waiting for? Register now! To do so, click on the registration link or use our registration form.