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CyberLaunch 2025

CyberLaunch Logo 2025

Florida’s Largest High School Cyber Competition Breaks Records, Inspires Futures

Nearly 1,000 high school students, teachers, and chaperones from across the state descended on the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on April 4 for Cyber Florida’s annual CyberLaunch, the nation’s largest in-person, state-sponsored high school cybersecurity competition. And the excitement on the competition floor? Unmatched!

Hosted by Cyber Florida, CyberLaunch 2025 brought together students from 99 schools across 49 districts, including Florida’s five largest school districts and its smallest—LaFayette. In just its second year, CyberLaunch has grown into a premier showcase of talent and opportunity, offering a platform for students to shine and discover future careers in cybersecurity.

I would like to take this opportunity and thank all of Cyber Florida for putting this together.
It really is a wonderful opportunity and platform for the cybersecurity students of Florida to shine.
— Maria Halley Hernandez, John A. Ferguson Senior High School
The Ultimate Cyber Kickstart

Designed to familiarize high school students with the exciting world of cybersecurity, CyberLaunch featured a hands-on capture-the-flag (CTF) style challenge, inspiring keynotes, breakout sessions for educators, and opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals to gain insights into cybersecurity careers.

This year’s event also welcomed 18 career and technical education administrators from 12 school districts, highlighting growing support from school systems eager to expand cybersecurity learning in classrooms.

CyberLaunch 2025 wasn’t just about what happened in one day—it was the culmination of weeks of preparation. Participating teachers and students received access to a library of practice materials and classroom-ready activities that helped demystify cybersecurity concepts and build skills leading up to the big day.

Thank you for an amazing event. My students smiled the entire way home.
We plan on starting an IT Club next Sept.
– Capt. Tim McAllister, Orange Park High School
A Mission in Motion

CyberLaunch is more than a one-day event—it’s a key part of Cyber Florida’s mission to cultivate a robust cybersecurity workforce and create opportunities for every Florida student. Thanks to support from the Florida Legislature and private donors, Cyber Florida ensured that access to this event was obtainable by making the event free to all students and schools.

And the outcomes speak for themselves: students walked away energized, curious, and, in many cases, ready to learn more about the field, and start IT/cybersecurity clubs if they didn’t have one in place already. Teachers gained tools to help bring cybersecurity into their classrooms. And Florida took another big step forward in building digital resilience from the ground up.

And the Winners Are…

After an intense day of solving puzzles, cracking codes, and working as a team under pressure, a few schools rose to the top. We’re proud to announce the winning teams of CyberLaunch 2025:

Advanced level
1st Place: John A. Ferguson Sr High, Miami-Dade
Teacher: Maria Halley Hernandez
Students: Michael Lopez, Sabrina Chile, Rachel Diaz

2nd Place: 2: East River/Boone High Schools, Orange
Teacher: James Mitchell
Students: Zane Strait (Boone), Brady Graham (Boone), Jamal Santiago (Boone), Bi Trinh (East River)

3rd Place: John A. Ferguson Sr High, Miami-Dade
Teacher: Maria Halley Hernandez
Students: Fabio Martin, Gabriel Barreto Otero, Dominic Hung, Angelo Isasi

Intermediate level
1st Place: Hialeah Gardens, Miami-Dade
Teacher: Rein De Armas
Students: Daniel D. Alvarez, Jean M. Hernandez, Luis E. Lovera

2nd Place: Crooms Academy of Information Technology, Seminole
Teacher: Halima Fisher
Students: Mikhail Tyukin, Anish Miryala, Alyssa Durand, Zane DeReamer

3rd Place: Suncoast Polytechnical High School, Sarasota
Teacher: Stephen McCormack, Lucinda Schlotterback
Students: Lucas Mattos, Maria Kadochnikova, Ben Kuzmik, Szymon Stead-Topor

Beginner level
1st Place: Angeline Academy of Innovation, Pasco
Teacher: Michael Marchesano
Students: Chris Workentin, Logan Prescott, Malakai Jefferson, Christopher Devoe

2nd Place: Timber Creek High School, Orange
Teacher: Daniel Foster
Students: Eoghan Riley, Tomas Lopez Devia, Matthew Nguyen

3rd Place: iPrep Academy North, Miami-Dade
Teacher: Yoel Monzote
Students: Raiya Cohen, Brianna Louissaint, Ariadna Monzon

These standout students demonstrated critical thinking, collaboration, and technical excellence under pressure—and we can’t wait to see where their cyber journeys take them next.

We are so grateful for all the time, energy, and care you put into making this event such a meaningful experience for the students.
It was truly impressive, and very much appreciated.
– Christine Ackerman, Middleburg High School
Looking Ahead

CyberLaunch will return with even more opportunities, more resources, and more students ready to make their mark. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring cybersecurity into your classroom or a student curious about coding, hacking, and solving digital problems, Cyber Florida’s Operation K12  is your starting point.

To stay informed about next year’s competition, resources, and updates, follow Cyber Florida on social media and visit cyberflorida.org.

A HUGE thank you to our generous and amazing sponsors for supporting this important event!

Universe Sponsor
USF Youth Experience
Orbit Sponsors
AFCEA Central Florida chapter
Bluum
Certification Partners
CompTIA
HP
Prodigy Learning
Teaching Digital Natives
Liftoff Sponsors
EC-Council
Knowledge Pillars
Launchpad Sponsors
Certiport
Dark Enterprise Inc
Guardian Cyber
Marcraft
Siemens
UTeach UTexas
Starbase Supporters
Crespo AI
EDVision
Jamal Rodman
USF World
Zscaler Inc

CyberLaunch 20252025-04-11T14:50:59-04:00

MEDIA ADVISORY: Nation’s largest (state-wide, state-sponsored) in-person high school cyber competition

CyberLaunch Logo 2025

WHEN: April 4, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando

WHO:    Nearly 1,000 high school students, teachers, and chaperones from 90 schools in 49 Florida school districts

  • The five largest school districts in Florida are attending
  • The smallest district in Florida is attending (LaFayette)
  • 18 CTE admin attending from 12 districts

WHAT: CyberLaunch, Florida’s annual statewide high school cybersecurity competition

CyberLaunch introduces high school students to the exciting world of cybersecurity through an engaging capture-the-flag style cyber competition, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to interact with industry professionals.

In its second year, the CyberLaunch program includes resources for teachers and students new to cybersecurity, offering classroom activities and practice tools to help competitors familiarize themselves with the platform before the competition.

Media representatives are invited to cover this event to capture high-energy moments from the competition floor, educator breakout sessions, and keynote presentations by industry leaders, including Michael Melore, CISSP, Public Sector Security Evangelist, Ambassador and Chair of Nationwide SecRT – Security Leaders Round Table & Sr Associate Partner, IBM.

Upon conclusion of the competition, Cyber Florida can provide:

  • High-resolution photos of teams, speakers, and key moments
  • Video footage, including B-roll of the event atmosphere and competition highlights
  • Video interviews with student competitors, educators, and Cyber Florida leadership

WHY:    This event aligns with Cyber Florida’s mission to cultivate a robust cybersecurity workforce and support innovative solutions that enhance Florida’s digital resilience.

HOW:    CyberLaunch is provided free to students and schools via funding from the Florida legislature and generous donors.

Please contact Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, at [email protected] to arrange to attend in person or access assets after the event. For more information about Cyber Florida and its mission to advance cybersecurity in the state, visit cyberflorida.org.

Registered Florida School Districts:
Alachua
Baker
Brevard
Broward
Charlotte
Citrus
Clay
Collier
Columbia
Dade
Dixie
Duval
Escambia
FAU Lab School
Flagler
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Gulf
Hamilton
Hardee
Hendry
Hernando
Highlands
Hillsborough
Indian River
Jackson
Lafayette
Lee
Manatee
Marion
Martin
Nassau
Okeechobee
Orange
Osceola
Palm Beach
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Putnam
Santa Rosa
Sarasota
St. Johns
Seminole
Suwannee
Tallahassee State College – Academy
Florida Virtual School
Volusia
Washington

ABOUT CYBER FLORIDA AT USF
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly referred to as Cyber Florida at USF, was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014. Its mission is to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and extensive outreach. Cyber Florida leads various initiatives to inspire and educate current and future cybersecurity professionals, advance applied research, and enhance cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Nation’s largest (state-wide, state-sponsored) in-person high school cyber competition2025-03-28T08:50:33-04:00

Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Florida Manufacturers: FloridaMakes Webinar

This webinar will cover how to plan a simple roadmap and additional recommendations for getting started defending your company from Cybersecurity attacks.

For FloridaMakes clients working with Defense customers, provided is an overview of the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, and recommendations for getting started and achieving this critical compliance requirement.

Speakers will present the no-cost programs and services available to Florida companies, including the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment.

The presentation will conclude with next steps and additional resources to get you on a path toward CMMC compliance.

Finally, extra time will be allocated for a robust Q&A starting with a review of the concerns posed at the prior webinar.

Key Takeaways:        

  • Briefly review the key concepts of cybersecurity, CMMC Level 1 and Level 2, DIB, FCRA and other pertinent acronyms;
  • Resume learning the roadmap for starting a Cybersecurity practice if you don’t already have one;
  • Overview and key steps for achieving CMMC compliance for Defense suppliers;
  • No-cost resources provided by Cyber Florida, including the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Florida Manufacturers: FloridaMakes Webinar2025-04-14T11:18:32-04:00

FEMA Offering “Recovering From Cybersecurity Incidents” Course in March

This 16-hour course provides guidance on building and executing a robust cybersecurity incident recovery program, covering both pre- and post-incident stages. It bridges IT and emergency management to help government, critical infrastructure, and private-sector personnel effectively respond to and recover from cyber disruptions.

Through interactive discussion and practical exercises, participants will learn best practices and tactical strategies for restoring operations following a cyber-attack. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to strengthen organizational resilience, manage cyber incidents more effectively, and build an action plan for continued readiness.

As part of a Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) cooperative agreement training program, this course is available at no direct cost to state, county, and local government agencies.

Key Topics Include:

  • Understanding essential cyber terminology and the cyber incident life cycle
  • Recognizing threat levels and exploring emergency management practices
  • Examining the recovery continuum and government’s role in cybersecurity
  • Integrating cyber into the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • Leveraging federal resources and key programmatic elements that drive successful recovery
  • Learning how to plan, organize, equip, train, and exercise for cyber incidents
  • Implementing short-term and long-term recovery actions
  • Building a cyber incident recovery action plan tailored to your organization’s needs

Suggested Audience

  • Government and private sector IT staff
  • Local administrators and upper-level management personnel
  • System administration
  • Risk management personnel
  • Local government administration
  • Emergency management coordinators

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Describe fundamental concepts and resources related to cyber incident recovery.
  • Examine recovery preparedness for cybersecurity incidents.
  • Examine tactical, short-term and strategic, long-term recovery operations for cybersecurity incidents.
  • Produce a cyber incident recovery action plan based on the scenario information provided.

Enrollment Requirements

Participants must be U.S. citizens. A FEMA Student ID is required to register for and participate in any training provided by FEMA agencies. All FEMA training providers, registration systems, and enrollment procedures are required to use this FEMA SID, which can be obtained at the following website: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasidopens in a new tab; or with TEEX assistance upon arrival for class.

FEMA Offering “Recovering From Cybersecurity Incidents” Course in March2025-04-14T11:18:58-04:00

Unlocking Potential: The Critical Role of Basic Research in Cybersecurity

This webinar will underscore the crucial role of basic research in driving cybersecurity innovation from a multidisciplinary perspective and raise awareness within the academic community about UC2’s interest in partnering to fund groundbreaking basic research in cybersecurity.

With a welcome introduction by National Defense University’s President, VADM Peter A. Garvin, USN, guest speakers from Space Force, Air Force and Minerva Research Initiative will address cyber strategy for Space Force, levels of basic research and technological applications, research requirements, future-focused discussions, and human-centered needs.

Speakers:

  • Lt Col Marouane Balmakhtar, Space Force
  • Dr. Lisa Bellamy, Senior Program Development Manager, AFCYBER/TD
  • Dr. Gregory Ruark, Program Manager, Dynamical Influences on Social Systems, Humans in Complex Systems Competency, Army Program Manager, Minerva Research Initiative DEVCOM ARL Army Research Office

Register today to join this conversation about the transformative potential of basic research in cybersecurity and discover exciting opportunities for academic partnerships with UC2.

Communication, Collaboration and Access: UC2 aims to fill this gap through its mission of increasing communication, collaboration, and access. UC2 funds basic and applied research. With a strong focus on partnerships, UC2 measures the impact of collaboration. UC2 believes that partnership will influence how research is transferred into the hands of users and also the DoD challenges are transferred back to the academic teams who can address them.

Unlocking Potential: The Critical Role of Basic Research in Cybersecurity2025-04-14T11:19:20-04:00

Sunshine Cyber Con 2025: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together

Sunshine Cyber Conference
SAVE THE DATE!

2026 Dates:

12 & 13 March 2026 

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 was an electrifying gathering of cybersecurity professionals, students, and industry leaders. With more than 500 attendees, the event was packed with energy, innovation, and invaluable insights. From cutting-edge keynote sessions to hands-on workshops, attendees had the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity.

One of this year’s conference highlights was the 29 meet-ups scheduled through the Whova app, allowing participants to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas seamlessly. The outstanding speakers and thought-provoking sessions left a lasting impact, covering topics ranging from emerging cyber threats to best practices in digital defense.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors!

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

Your contributions helped make this event a phenomenal success!

Shoutout to Our Exhibitors

We were thrilled to host an incredible lineup of exhibitors, each bringing unique expertise and innovations to the table:

  • Armis
  • Automation Strategy & Performance, Inc.
  • Ballast Services
  • Blackwood
  • CodeBoxx
  • CommHIT
  • Cytrix LTD
  • DG Technology Consulting and Barracuda Networks
  • EC-Council
  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Florida International University Jack Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Global and National Security Institute at USF
  • Insight Assurance
  • National Cyber Security Alliance
  • Orca Security
  • Recorded Future
  • Rubrik
  • Scholarship for Services
  • StingBox LLC
  • Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
  • The University of Tampa
  • ThreatLocker
  • University of South Florida School of Information and MCPA
  • University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity
Looking Ahead

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 was a testament to the power of collaboration in the cybersecurity space. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this growing community. Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, and contributed to making this event truly exceptional.

Stay tuned for details on Sunshine Cyber Conference 2026—we’ll be back bigger and better than ever!

Sunshine Cyber Con 2025: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together2025-03-06T13:55:21-05:00

From Military Service to a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity

Bob King’s Journey with CyberWorks

Robert “Bob” King is a technical project manager for Northrop Grumman in Tampa, Florida. He currently develops cyber and space capabilities supporting multiple customers in the Department of Defense. Before this role, he worked on delivering data and intelligence solutions for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base.

King’s transition from military service to the private sector led him to Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks training program. After graduating from Florida Southern College and commissioning as an officer in the U. S. Army, he contacted his professional network for guidance on breaking into the cybersecurity industry.

“Cyber Florida stood out immediately as a perfect opportunity to combine my previous experience with relevant industry training to launch a new career in cybersecurity,” King said.

 King enrolled in the New Skills for a New Fight 12-week program, which provided hands-on experience in cybersecurity fundamentals and real-world applications. The curriculum covered crucial topics such as the OSI model, the cyber kill chain, malware analysis using virtual machines, and advanced persistent threat (APT) identification.

“The program provides practical training and familiarization with cybersecurity concepts and tools essential to succeeding in today’s job market,” King noted. “From concepts including the OSI model and cyber kill chain to lab exercises, malware analysis utilizing virtual machines, and advanced persistent threat (APT) identification, the curriculum delivers a solid foundation and engaging experience.”

 The knowledge gained from the program has been instrumental in King’s role as a technical project manager. He regularly uses the concepts learned to plan projects, decompose requirements, and conduct security impact analyses.

“I apply the knowledge gained throughout the program regularly when planning projects and decomposing requirements to incorporate security impact analysis as well as network and security operations considerations,” he explained.

 For those considering CyberWorks, King offers simple advice: ask questions.

“The staff is engaging, experienced, and dedicated to ensuring your success throughout the course and your career,” he emphasized. “The team does a phenomenal job at identifying and incorporating industry trends, new technologies, and current events with each new class to maximize student success.”

CyberWorks served as the catalyst for King’s cybersecurity career, and he highly recommends it to anyone looking to transition into the field.

“The program was the catalyst for my career in cybersecurity,” he said. The program attracts a diverse range of students from various industries, backgrounds, and experience levels, creating a collaborative and enriching learning environment.

Additionally, King encourages professionals to network and participate in industry organizations such as ISC2 and AFCEA.

“I strongly recommend Cyber Florida to anyone looking to make a career pivot into cybersecurity,” he added. “Each class has a diverse student body from multiple industries, ages, and backgrounds. I also encourage networking and participating in professional organizations like ISC2 and AFCEA.”

Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks program is more than just a training course—it’s a launchpad for a successful career in cybersecurity. This program offers a valuable path forward for those looking to break into the industry, gain practical skills, and make meaningful connections.

Are you considering a career change? We can help!
Learn more about the CyberWorks program.

From Military Service to a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity2025-03-05T08:49:12-05:00

Meet Ben & Ben

Ben Price and Ben Dailey at FLGISA

Ben Price and Ben Dailey at FLGISA

“Both Ben Price and Ben Dailey are superb technical leaders in the field. They are forward-thinking and proactive workers who are invaluable assets to the team. They come into the ARCS team at the right time to augment our workforce to ensure our success for this year and beyond.”

— Bruce Caulkins, ARCS Director

Meet Ben & Ben: The Newest Members of the ARCS Team

Cyber Florida’s Aligned Realistic Cyberattack Simulation (ARCS) range is an invaluable tool for strengthening Florida’s cybersecurity workforce. As a no-cost training resource for state and local government employees, the ARCS range provides hands-on, real-world cybersecurity exercises to help teams stay prepared for evolving threats. Now, with the addition of Ben Dailey and Ben Price to the Cyber Florida team, the ARCS range is positioned to offer even more expertise and innovation.

Meet Ben Dailey, Cyber Range Coordinator

Ben Dailey comes to Cyber Florida with an informatics and information science background. With a bachelor’s in cybersecurity-focused informatics from Indiana University and a master’s in information science, he understands cybersecurity concepts and how data is structured and used—a perfect combination for managing the ARCS range.

As a Cyber Range Coordinator, Dailey ensures the range is always up-to-date and ready for training exercises. He’s also responsible for scheduling and maintaining ARCS activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly for participants.

Dailey believes ARCS is one of Florida’s best cybersecurity training tools. It allows teams to experience real-world threats in a controlled, risk-free environment, so their first encounter with a cyberattack isn’t when real data is at risk.

Dailey is focused on keeping ARCS updated with the latest threats and training tools. He also highlights the range’s extensive training catalog, which offers valuable materials for cybersecurity professionals and non-technical users.

Meet Ben Price, Cyber Range Analyst and former SOCAP Intern

Ben Price brings a unique mix of military intelligence and hands-on cybersecurity training to Cyber Florida. As a former all-source analyst in the Army, he developed analytical skills that now help him assess and improve cybersecurity training programs. However, it was his experience in the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program (SOCAP) that prepared him for his role with ARCS. During that time, he gained hands-on experience in cybersecurity operations, earned GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) and Blue Team Level One certifications, and completed a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at the University of South Florida.

Price optimizes and expands the ARCS range experience as a Cyber Range Analyst. He works to standardize processes, manage range events, and assess computer security incident response teams. His passion lies in the mission—helping to strengthen Florida’s cybersecurity defenses and provide world-class training to government agencies at no cost.

According to Price, the ARCS range provides more than just theory—it offers real-world cybersecurity exercises. In a risk-free environment, participants can train in incident response, red teaming, and malware analysis while experiencing simulated cyberattacks. This kind of hands-on experience is crucial for improving security postures across Florida.

One of Price’s biggest goals is to spread awareness of the ARCS range to all state and local government employees. “I believe everyone can benefit from being on the range,” he says. His message to agencies? The ARCS range is free and easy to access—visit cyberflorida.org/arcs-range to get started.

Ready to Train?

Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional or a public-sector employee looking to strengthen your cyber awareness, the ARCS range is free, accessible, and ready for you.

Visit cyberflorida.org/arcs-range today!

Meet Ben & Ben2025-02-21T08:33:18-05:00

2025 phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator Awardees Announced

phaseZERO

Cyber Florida at USF Announces Awardees of the phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator Seed Fund Program

February 11, 2025—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF announces today the recipients of the phaseZERO Innovation Incubator seed fund program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support early-stage cybersecurity startups in Florida. This year’s awardees—TrustConnect, LLC; Stablein Solutions; CyberMirage, LLC; and AI-Guardian Lab, LLC—presented innovative solutions to tackle critical cybersecurity challenges across industries.

PhaseZERO, an initiative under Cyber Florida’s commitment to fostering cybersecurity innovation, provides selected startups with seed funding and strategic mentorship to accelerate their business development. This year’s recipients bring diverse cutting-edge solutions to the cybersecurity landscape, from AI-driven workforce training to anti-web scraping technologies. Each recipient will receive $60,000 in funding, mentorship, and access to resources to refine their business strategies and accelerate market readiness. The phaseZERO initiative is part of Cyber Florida’s broader mission to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity ecosystem through education, research, and industry collaboration.

Three of the four innovative recipients are affiliated with the University of South Florida.

Awardees, their innovations, and a remark about the significance of receiving the award:

  • AI-Guardian Lab, LLC – Developing an AI-powered platform that safeguards teenagers from online human trafficking threats in gaming and social media environments. AI-Guardian aims to provide scalable solutions for schools and community programs using real-time behavior analysis and proactive intervention strategies.
    • Tingting Zhang, Ph.D., Muma College of Business School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of South Florida, stated, “We are deeply honored by the phaseZERO award, which fuels our passion to push the boundaries of cybersecurity. With this support, we have unleashed an AI-powered real-time monitoring and learning system. This innovation transforms our AI Guardian into a digital shield that swiftly alerts parents to hidden human trafficking risks on teens’ mobile devices.”
  • CyberMirage, LLC – Pioneering an advanced data loss prevention and anti-web scraping solution that incorporates obfuscated fonts, multi-layered image protection, and document security technologies. Their early-stage technology has already secured its first customer and is positioned for broader market adoption.
    • Yao Liu, Ph.D., Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, stated, “Receiving support from the Cyber Florida PhaseZERO program is of great significance to us. This support will accelerate the development and launch of our initial product for data loss prevention against insider threats and web scraping. With this backing, we can expedite the commercialization of our technologies and bring our products to market much sooner.”
  • Stablein Solutions – Creating a Secure AI Automation Cybersecurity Framework that integrates machine learning and multi-layered security measures to optimize business processes. Their solution targets logistics and manufacturing industries, focusing on reducing manual processing costs and increasing workflow accuracy.
    • Marlena Harkless, COO, Stablein Solutions and Thomas Stablein, Ph.D., Muma College of Business School of IS & Management, University of South Florida, released this statement: “Receiving the PhaseZERO Cyber Florida grant is more than just a milestone for Stablein Solutions—it’s a pivotal moment of validation and potential. As a startup focused in AI powered process automation, this award will enable us to secure critical APIs and advance cybersecurity innovation, empowering us to transform our vision of a more secure digital landscape into a tangible reality. We are deeply honored to be selected and equally motivated to elevate our community’s technological infrastructure in 2025 and beyond. This grant isn’t just funding; it’s a catalyst for meaningful change, enabling us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity and contribute to Florida’s emerging reputation as a hub of technological innovation.”
  • TrustConnect, LLC—Developing CyberReady in the Workplace, an AI-assisted cybersecurity training platform that personalizes learning through gamification and social engagement. The platform, designed for medium to large enterprises, aims to reduce cyber incident risks by 30%.
    • Xueping Liang, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, Blockchain and Smart Cities, Florida International University, said, “We are honored to receive the phaseZERO award, as it represents a crucial step in translating our research into real-world impact. This award enables us to advance our customer discovery efforts, refine our commercialization strategy, and strengthen industry collaborations. It is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business applications and solutions, ultimately contributing to innovation in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.”

Ernie Ferraresso, senior director of Cyber Florida at USF, emphasized the importance of supporting early-stage cybersecurity ventures in Florida. “The phaseZERO program reflects our commitment to nurturing cybersecurity innovation in Florida, reducing the barriers to getting high impact cybersecurity solutions into the marketplace. These awardees represent visionary and practical cybersecurity solutions, each addressing real-world challenges with groundbreaking technologies. We’re excited to support their journey and see their impact on the industry and cybersecurity.”

Contact Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, to coordinate interviews with the award recipients at [email protected].

For more information about phaseZERO, visit cyberflorida.org/phasezero. For more information about Cyber Florida and its mission to advance cybersecurity in the state, visit cyberflorida.org. Read an update about a phaseZERO pilot program awardee, StudySpaces, co-founded by two USF alumni, in this blog post.

ABOUT CYBER FLORIDA AT USF
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly referred to as Cyber Florida at USF, was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014. Its mission is to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and extensive outreach. Cyber Florida leads various initiatives to inspire and educate current and future cybersecurity professionals, advance applied research, and enhance cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

ABOUT PHASEZERO: INNOVATION INCUBATOR
Cyber Florida at USF’s phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator supports Florida-based researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing cybersecurity innovations and launching new businesses. Modeled after federal SBIR/STTR Phase I programs, it complements statewide initiatives like the Florida High-Tech Corridor and I-Corps. phaseZERO provides critical seed funding and mentorship to help entrepreneurs succeed. It advances Cyber Florida at USF’s mission to foster research partnerships, attract cybersecurity companies, and support new ventures in the state.

2025 phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator Awardees Announced2025-02-11T10:18:35-05:00

CONTACT US

Cyber Florida at USF
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ISA7020
Tampa, FL 33620

Office meetings by appointment only

PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright 2024 The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. Information on this website is made available for general educational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of obtaining competent legal advice from a licensed attorney or cybersecurity professional with sufficient expertise necessary to address your specific needs. Use of this website does not create any special or fiduciary relationship between you and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity or the University of South Florida.