Press Releases

Tampa Bay conference unites cybersecurity, AI, national security leaders

February 5, 2026—Tampa, Fla—CyberBay Summit returns this spring to Tampa Bay as the next evolution of a high-impact conference that convenes the nation’s leading voices in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Building on the success of its inaugural event last fall, the Summit will once again bring together leaders from business, investment, education, and law enforcement, this time with an expanded agenda focused on accelerating innovation, strengthening cyber resilience, and shaping the future of digital defense.

Summit Details

Set for March 11-13, 2026, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, the event is hosted by Bellini Capital, Cyber Florida, and the University of South Florida (USF). Registration is now open at CyberBay.org/summit.

The agenda of speaker sessions and workshops will focus on:

• critical infrastructure
• cyber management
• emerging technology
• entrepreneur
• law enforcement/cybercriminology
• workforce development

Keynote Speakers

Jen Easterly, former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is one of the most influential leaders in national cyber defense. From protecting critical infrastructure to shaping the future of cyber resilience, Jen brings a perspective few can match.

Rachel Wilson, Chief Data Officer for Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, combines top-tier national security experience with financial-sector cybersecurity leadership. After 15 years at the NSA, spanning counterterrorism, Olympic cyber defense, and major cyber operations, she now leads cybersecurity, fraud, data quality, and privacy risk management for the firm.

Together, they bring unmatched expertise spanning government, intel, and finance—offering a rare, 360-degree view of today’s cyber threat landscape.

Cost

The CyberBay Summit 2026 planning committee is committed to ensuring the event remains accessible and affordable for the full cybersecurity ecosystem. Registration options are designed to support broad participation:

• General admission is $250
• Discounted tickets of $200 are available for government, academia, military, and nonprofit professionals
• Deeply reduced student rate of $50 to encourage the next generation of cyber leaders to attend and engage

Survey

Insights from the inaugural CyberBay Survey, alongside a newly commissioned survey currently underway, are shaping the agenda for CyberBay Summit 2026 to address real-world cybersecurity challenges across sectors and inform CyberBay workgroup initiatives.

CyberBay Cup Competition Returns

The CyberBay Cup 2026 returns as a marquee, optional event at CyberBay Summit, bringing elite student and professional cybersecurity talent together for a live Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. Hosted by SkillBit (formerly MetaCTF), the high-energy challenge takes place on day two of the Summit and features real-world cyber scenarios, team-based competition, and significant cash prizes, showcasing the skills, innovation, and next-generation talent driving the future of digital defense.

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Packages

Building on a sold-out 2025 event, CyberBay offers unparalleled access to decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of digital defense. Sponsors and exhibitors gain high-visibility engagement with:

• National security leaders from SOCOM, CENTCOM, federal agencies, and defense contractors
• Cross-sector professionals spanning technical and non-technical roles across public and private sectors
• Entrepreneurs and emerging talent, including participants in the CyberBay Cup and the new CyberBay Innovation Challenge

More than a conference, CyberBay is a rapidly growing ecosystem where organizations can showcase innovation, influence practice, and build lasting partnerships in Tampa Bay’s cybersecurity community and beyond.

Visit https://cyberbay.org/sponsor/ for more details.

Media Welcome

Journalists interested in attending should contact Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, cyber outreach manager at Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org for a complimentary ticket.

About Bellini Capital
Deploying capital through a blend of seed investment and philanthropy, Bellini Capital is seeking to create an unbreakable ecosystem of cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and ecological stewardship. The firm was founded by technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Arnie Bellini, and is based in Tampa, Florida (a.k.a. CyberBay).

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 USF’s Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing
The Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing at the University of South Florida is the first named college for AI, cybersecurity, and computing, dedicated to advancing education, research and ethical innovation. The College is designed to foster interdisciplinary innovation and technology development through strong industry and government partnerships, serving as a critical talent center for CyberBay and the cybersecurity sector as a whole.

Top teams advance to in-person CyberLaunch cybersecurity competition in April 2026 at USF

January 5, 2026—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF announces the successful completion of the first-ever CyberLaunch Virtual Qualifiers, a new statewide entry point to its flagship cybersecurity competition. Following the November 2025 virtual round, 142 of the 363 teams that registered qualified to advance to the CyberLaunch State Championship, which will be held on April 24, 2026, at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa campus.

CyberLaunch introduces middle and high school students to cybersecurity concepts and career pathways through hands-on, team-based competition. The addition of a virtual qualifier expanded access to schools statewide, allowing students to compete regardless of location while maintaining a high bar for advancement to the in-person championship.

Students faced challenges that tested their knowledge of offensive cybersecurity tools and concepts. The successful completion of a challenge would reward them with a flag, which is a string of text hidden within a challenge. Students exchange flags or challenge information for points in the competition.

“CyberLaunch continues to grow as a powerful way to engage Florida students in cybersecurity at an early stage,” said Dr. Candi Ring, assistant director, K12 Cybersecurity Education. “The virtual qualifier allowed us to reach more schools than ever before, and the 142 teams advancing represent the depth of talent and interest across the state.”

Leading up to the competition, Cyber Florida’s ARCS range team created the capture-the-flag events. During the week of the competition, the ARCS team managed the competition on the event platform, powered by SimSpace, and provided technical assistance to instructors and students.

A New Competition Model for 2025–2026

For the 2025–2026 season, CyberLaunch introduced several new elements designed to increase participation and accessibility:

• Virtual Qualifier Round held in November 2025
• Invitation-only State Championship for high-scoring teams
• In-person finals hosted at USF on April 24, 2026
• Virtual Invitational Finals in April 2026

The CyberLaunch Virtual Qualifiers were open at no cost to Florida middle and high schools (grades 6–12), including public and private institutions. Each participating school designated a faculty or staff advisor to guide student teams through the competition. The inaugural competition attracted 1,265 students to register, representing a nearly 30% increase from previous CyberLaunch competitions.

Building Florida’s Cyber Workforce Pipeline

CyberLaunch is part of Cyber Florida’s broader mission to strengthen Florida’s cybersecurity workforce by engaging students early, supporting educators, and connecting academic learning to real-world cyber challenges. The program aligns with statewide workforce and economic development priorities by exposing students to in-demand skills and career opportunities.

Teams advancing to the April championship will compete in person, applying technical knowledge, problem-solving, and teamwork in a fast-paced, immersive cybersecurity environment.

Teams that did not qualify for the 2026 in-person event will be invited to attend virtual invitational finals, which will also be held in April 2026.

More information about CyberLaunch is available at cyberflorida.org/cyberlaunch.

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.

Cyber Florida’s Operation K12 Program Earns EC-Council 2025 Academia Partner Ambassador Award

December 10, 2025—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF has been named the 2025 EC-Council Academia Partner Ambassador Award recipient, recognizing the organization’s Operation K12 program for its leadership in advancing cybersecurity education, engagement, and advocacy across K–12 communities. Cyber Florida is the only institution in North America to receive this award for the 2025 cycle.

The Academia Partner Ambassador Award honors institutions that demonstrate sustained commitment to expanding cybersecurity awareness and education within their networks and local communities. Cyber Florida’s Operation K12 program was recognized for its impact-driven approach to introducing cybersecurity concepts to students and educators while strengthening Florida’s long-term cyber workforce pipeline.

“We are deeply honored to receive the 2025 Academia Partner Ambassador Award on behalf of Cyber Florida’s Operation K12 program,” said Dr. Candi L. Ring, assistant director, K12 Cybersecurity Education. “This recognition reflects our commitment to expanding cybersecurity education and empowering students, educators, and communities across Florida. At a time when digital literacy and security skills are more essential than ever, we are grateful for partners like EC-Council who share our dedication to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. This award inspires us to continue innovating, collaborating, and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in a safer digital future.”

EC-Council is the world’s largest cybersecurity technical certification body, operating in more than 145 countries and having certified over 400,000 information security professionals. Its certifications are recognized globally and endorsed by government agencies including the National Security Agency and the Committee on National Security Systems.

Cyber Florida was selected based on criteria that include excellence in cybersecurity education, community engagement and advocacy, program leadership, and sustained outreach impact. Operation K12 delivers hands-on learning opportunities, educator support, and community-based programming designed to build cyber literacy and awareness from an early age.

Each year, EC-Council’s Academia division recognizes a select group of institutions and educators from its global network of universities, colleges, technical institutes, K–12 entities, and certified instructors.

“On behalf of EC-Council, I congratulate Cyber Florida at USF on being named the 2025 Academia Partner Ambassador,” said Jay Bavisi, president and group CEO of EC-Council. “Their commitment to cybersecurity advocacy and K–12 engagement plays a critical role in strengthening the future of the cybersecurity ecosystem.”

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.

12-week virtual cybersecurity training program accepts Florida’s veterans, first responders, military spouses, government employees

November 1, 2025—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF is accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cohort of CyberWorks, its workforce development program designed to prepare Florida’s public-minded professionals for careers in cybersecurity. The new cohort begins in January 2026 and is available at no cost to eligible participants.

CyberWorks is a 12-week, fully virtual training program that guides participants toward earning the CompTIA Security+ certification, one of the most widely recognized credentials for entry-level cybersecurity roles. In addition to technical training, participants gain access to a network of peers and mentors, career-advancement support, and a collaborative learning community.

Cyber Florida welcomes applications from Florida residents who are:

• Veterans
• Transitioning military personnel
• First responders
• Military spouses
• Government employees

“Our goal with CyberWorks is to create opportunities for those who serve and support our nation to build new skills, advance their careers, and step confidently into Florida’s growing cybersecurity workforce,” said Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks Assistant Cyber Program Manager Mai Ensmann. “This program is designed to meet learners where they are and help them succeed.”

CyberWorks is funded by the DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office and the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program.

Those interested are encouraged to apply early, as space in the cohort is limited.

For more information or to apply, visit the CyberWorks page of the Cyber Florida website.

Media Contact: Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC
mailto:jennifer437@cyberflorida.org

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.

Tampa Bay conference unites cybersecurity, AI, national security leaders

 July 15, 2025—Tampa, Fla— CyberBay2025, a high-impact summit uniting the nation’s leading minds in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security, is launching in Tampa Bay this fall. The event will engage leaders in business, investment, education, and the military with a bold agenda focused on redefining the front lines of digital defense.

Set for October 13–15, 2025 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, the event is hosted by Cyber Florida, University of South Florida (USF), The USF Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing, USF Institute for AI+X, and Bellini Capital. Registration is now open at CyberBay.org.

“Tampa Bay is the hub of America’s cyber resilience. Established companies, startups, investors, educators, and the military are building a next-generation cybersecurity ecosystem that outpaces threats and serves as an economic engine for the country,” said Arnie Bellini, Managing Partner at Bellini Capital. “CyberBay 2025 will ignite innovation and action from classrooms to corporations to command centers.”

Content at the summit will mobilize a new era of cyber readiness capable of safeguarding infrastructure, protecting free enterprise, and defending digital borders. The agenda will focus on cybersecurity, AI+X, national security, the start-up/VC ecosystem, research and development, and education, talent recruitment, and retention.

In addition, a cybersecurity Capture the Flag competition will feature rising talent, and an AI and Cyber Talent Showcase will bring graduating students and job seekers together with leaders from Tampa’s tech industry.

Current speakers include:

• Jen Easterly, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, combat veteran, cybersecurity pioneer
• General (Ret.) Frank McKenzie, Executive Director, Cyber Florida at USF and the Global and National Security Institute, USF
• Patrick McDaniel, Professor of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Arnie Bellini, Tech Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, Bellini Capital
• Gayle Sheppard, Board of Directors, Nutanix
• Elisa Bertino, Samuel D. Conte Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, Purdue University

Early bird ticket pricing is available until July 31, 2025.

Sponsors for the event include ConnectSecure, ThreatLocker, and CyberFOX, among other Tampa institutions and cybersecurity organizations.

For sponsorship information, please contact Andrew Morgan at andrew@rightofboom.com.

Journalists interested in attending should contact Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, Cyber Outreach Manager at Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org for a complimentary ticket.

About The University of South Florida (USF)
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university, serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About USF Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing
The Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing at the University of South Florida is the first named college for AI, cybersecurity, and computing, dedicated to advancing education, research and ethical innovation. The College is designed to foster interdisciplinary innovation and technology development through strong industry and government partnerships, serving as a critical talent center for CyberBay and the cybersecurity sector as a whole.

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 USF Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI+X)
The USF Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI+X) is a university-wide research and education center for Artificial Intelligence. It conducts externally-funded research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated areas (X = Healthcare, Medicine, Biology, Cybersecurity, Finance, Business, Manufacturing, Transportation), using a transdisciplinary approach across Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science, and work with industry to transition them into products that benefit humanity in an ethical and responsible manner.

About Bellini Capital
Deploying capital through a blend of seed investment and philanthropy, Bellini Capital is seeking to create an unbreakable ecosystem of cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and ecological stewardship. The firm was founded by technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Arnie Bellini, and is based in Tampa, Florida (a.k.a. CyberBay).

Media contact:
Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC
Cyber Outreach Manage
Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org

Strategic partnership between Idaho National Laboratory and Cyber Florida bolsters cybersecurity, nurtures talent

May 20, 2025—Tampa, Fla—The Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly known as Cyber Florida, and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have agreed to collaborate on critical infrastructure cyber mitigation and workforce development.

INL and Cyber Florida signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the collaboration late last month.

One of INL’s primary focus areas is securing the nation’s critical infrastructure, while Cyber Florida positions Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research and outreach.

This agreement allows the state to use INL’s world-class critical infrastructure resiliency and cybersecurity capabilities focused on enhancing local, state and national preparedness in alignment with the Trump administration’s executive order titled, “Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness.” The collaboration will focus on cybersecurity risk mitigation, operational technology and industrial control systems, defense industrial base sector cyber risk, workforce development and more.

“Cyber Florida is committed to fostering innovation and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” said retired Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, executive director of Cyber Florida. “This partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory underscores our shared dedication to strengthening our nation’s critical infrastructure and advancing the workforce needed to meet emerging cyber threats. Together, we are preparing for the future of cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors.”

INL and the state of Florida have previously collaborated to enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors such as energy and transportation. In 2023, Cyber Florida and INL implemented the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment, leveraging the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security Evaluation Tool, developed by INL, to analyze the cyber readiness of Florida’s 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The study, conducted on behalf of the Florida Legislature, offered recommendations to improve risk-based decision-making, inform state-level policy and support funding. The same year, INL signed a separate agreement with the state of Florida’s Department of Management Services alongside Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez.

“As states increasingly take on the responsibility of protecting both physical and cyber infrastructure, INL is poised to support local risk-informed decision-making across the country,” said Zach Tudor, associate laboratory director for National and Homeland Security at INL. “Florida’s critical infrastructure network is vast and expansive, and our collaboration aims to enhance its resilience and security ensuring the state’s critical functions remain dependable.”

About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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 Contacts
Jennifer Kleman, 863-398-5610, jennifer437@cyberflorida.org
Lisa Wilmore, 616-540-8348, lisa.wilmore@inl.gov

Cyber Florida at USF Partners with CyberUSA, Strengthening National Cybersecurity Collaboration

May 20, 2025—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF has partnered with CyberUSA, marking a significant step toward enhancing national cybersecurity coordination and resilience. This partnership will focus on information sharing, workforce development, and critical infrastructure protection.

Cyber Florida at USF, established by the Florida Legislature and housed at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, is dedicated to positioning Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and extensive outreach. The organization works across public and private sectors to lead workforce development programs, advance applied research, and conduct outreach to enhance cyber safety and resiliency throughout the state.

“CyberUSA is thrilled to partner with Cyber Florida,” said Adam Rak, executive director of CyberUSA. “Their leadership in cybersecurity education and innovation will greatly enhance our collective efforts to strengthen the nation’s cyber defenses.”

James Jacobs, director of partnerships & policy at Cyber Florida, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “Partnering with CyberUSA enables us to collaborate across the country in efforts to enhance cybersecurity. We are excited to share our expertise with CyberUSA.”

Ernie Ferraresso, senior director of Cyber Florida, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “In our interconnected world, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Our partnership with CyberUSA underscores our commitment to collaborative solutions that protect our state and nation’s digital infrastructure.”

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.

For more information about Cyber Florida, visit https://cyberflorida.org/

About CyberUSA
CyberUSA is a trusted forum where American organizations can collaborate on solutions to protect us all. By transcending local, state, and national security silos, we ensure that leaders and practitioners have the best possible resources to safeguard their assets.

CyberUSA membership amplifies cyber defense effectiveness through a community of communities that scales and accelerates information sharing to an unprecedented level. Membership provides access to reliable resources available nowhere else, including a national threat-sharing platform. The organization is dedicated to proactive coordination of public and private efforts to shape the education, innovation, and policy landscapes at the regional and federal levels.

For more information about CyberUSA, visit https://www.cyberusa.us/

Media Contacts

Cyber Florida: Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC jennifer437@cyberflorida.org

CyberUSA: ‍CyberUSA Public Relations Jennifer Priest jpriest@virtualinc.com

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 Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org 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.

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 Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org.

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.