Cyber Florida’s phaseZERO: Incubation Innovator Seed Fund Awardee – StudySpaces

Receiving a seed fund grant from Cyber Florida at USF “has been a game-changer for StudySpaces,” says co-founder Axhens “Jesse” Mara. Along with co-founder Jamshidbek “Jam” Mirzakhalov, Mara launched StudySpaces with the goal of improving cybersecurity education through innovative, hands-on learning tools. The two met while studying at the University of South Florida, where they both earned their degrees and developed a shared passion for advancing cybersecurity training.

The funding has accelerated StudySpaces’ development, refined its platform, and brought its vision to life. This support has been transformative for a growing startup, allowing them to compete with larger industry players and expand their reach.

Looking ahead, the StudySpaces team plans to enhance its platform’s AI capabilities and expand its content engine to support more learning materials. They aim to equip more individuals with the cybersecurity skills needed to succeed by continually improving testing and training features.

For those looking to make an impact in cybersecurity education and research, the StudySpaces team emphasizes adaptability. “Focus on building tools that address real-world needs,” said Mara. “Listen to feedback, test your ideas continuously, and embrace new approaches. Practical, hands-on learning makes the biggest difference.”

Reflecting on the effect of Cyber Florida’s support, Mara shared, “The grant turned our vision into reality. StudySpaces is already helping people learn and gain skills more effectively by combining adaptive curriculum generation, testing, and tutoring. We are proud of what we’ve built and excited for the future as we continue to evolve and make a real impact.”

This is just the beginning for StudySpaces. With ongoing innovation and the support of programs like phaseZERO, the team is excited to refine their platform further and expand their influence on cybersecurity education.