Published on 23 May 2024

Call for the Cyber Startup Challenge 2024

The Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, armasuisse Science and Technology, is looking for innovative technologies. For this purpose, it is launching a Cyber Startup Challenge for the fourth time. The topic: AI security testing. Applications are possible until 31 August 2024.

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About the Cyber Startup Challenge

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.

• What we are looking for

  We are looking for novel solutions in the field of AI security testing. The technology does not need 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 goal is for the technology to efficiently and comprehensively analyse the security of machine learning (ML) models and evaluate their robustness against adversarial attacks and privacy leaks.

  ML models and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly ubiquitous and integrated into products and services. However, certain products and processes used in defence may require a higher level of security and reliability. It is crucial to evaluate the robustness of such solutions during operation and acquisition to assess risk and reliability.

  In defence, AI solutions are used in a wide range of of products and tasks including cybersecurity, signal processing, mission planning, intelligence analysis, training and simulation, tracking and recognition as well as for situational awareness.

  We are looking for a technology to help us assess the security and adversarial robustness of ML models used in defence. We are not focusing on specific types of models. The proposed solution can be limited to specific types of models. However, the more model types are covered (ML, DL, LLMs) the more attractive is the solution. This technology could help test models against common attacks and measure their robustness and resilience, or provide alternative methods for assessing the security of AI.

• What we do not look for

  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.

• General conditions for the challenge

  • The start-up is less than eight years old as of October 202
  • The founders are still investors and actively involved
  • The company has at least three employees, including active founders
  • The finalist of the Challenge receives a contract to integrate the proof of concept of the technology in the DDPS
  • 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
  • The proof of concept is supported by the Cyber Defence Campus
  • 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.
  • The proof of feasibility does not aim to be effectively implemented in operation
  • Any acquisition will be through a tender process and proof of feasibility is not a guarantee of an additional mandate or purchase
  • All companies participating in the Challenge, i.e. not only the winning company, will be included in a tender and further challenge
  • 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.

• Selection criteria

  • Technology is related to AI security testing
  • Technological relevance and usability for the Swiss Armed Forces
  • Feasibility of the project
  • Innovation factor and impact potential for the Swiss Armed Forces
  • Viability of the technology concept
  • Dual use (civilian, military)
  • Companies from Switzerland are rated higher; however, the start-up can be international.

• Selection procedure

  • 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.

Timetable

What are you waiting for? Register your company now! Click on the registration link: Registration (English)

Or via form:

• Cyber Startup Challenge application form 2024

  PDF558.14 kB9 June 2024

• More Information

  • Cyber Start-up Challenge 2023: Start-up Ostorlab convinces the DDPS (admin.ch)
  • Cyber-Defence Campus: Strengthening Switzerland’s Cyber Defence (admin.ch)
  • Events (admin.ch)