About this Event
Join us for live pitches, networking, and awards!
Watch six companies pitch their AI security solutions to a panel of expert judges, see who takes home the cash prizes, and connect with the region's cybersecurity, technology, and business community.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Who should attend?: security and IT leaders, business owners, investors, and anyone interested in where AI security is heading.
PITCH COMPETITION FINALISTS
- , represented by Sameer Ahirrao, Founder & CEO
- , represented by Joshua Katenga-Kaunda, Founder & CEO
- , represented by Victor Brown, Chief Technology Officer
- , represented byTom McNamara, Founder & CEO
- , represented by Gordon Long, Founder & CEO
PITCH COMPETITION JUDGES
- , Director of IT, Frequentis
- CEO, Hakz
- , Vice President, Information Security,
- Founder & CEO, MO MarTech
AGENDA
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Registration & Networking
Check-in and network over hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
6:00 PM - 6:05 PM: Opening Remarks
6:05 PM - 7:05 PM: Pitch Competition
7:05 PM - 7:15 PM: Networking Break & Judging Deliberation
7:15 PM - 7:25 PM: Awards & Closing Remarks
7:25 PM - 8:00 PM: Networking & Close
Interested in putting your company in the spotlight through this event? Contact Stacey Smith for sponsorship details at [email protected] or 443-844-0047.
What is the Market Pulse Series?
Through sector-focused challenges and showcases, Market Pulse identifies real-world industry needs, highlights market-ready technologies, and creates opportunities for customer connections, pilots, partnerships, investment, and business growth.
What is the focus of the 2026 Cyber Howard Challenge and how was that determined?
This year’s Cyber Howard Challenge was shaped by feedback from the Cyber Market Pulse Survey, which asked industry leaders to identify their most pressing cybersecurity needs and emerging challenges.
The survey drew participation from seven industry sectors - cybersecurity, IT/AI, financial services, aerospace and defense, healthcare/life sciences, construction, and emerging technology - offering insight into cybersecurity priorities from both technology providers and end-user industries.
The results showed a strong focus on AI-related cybersecurity challenges, with approximately 77% of respondents identifying securing AI systems and applications or defending against AI-driven cyber threats as a priority.
Respondents also identified related concerns including securing AI models and applications, autonomous and AI-enabled attacks, human and machine identities, third-party and supply-chain risk, data and privacy protection, and emerging agentic AI threats. These findings shaped the 2026 Cyber Howard Challenge: Securing the AI-Driven Enterprise.
Disclaimer: By registering for this event, you agree that your contact information may be shared with the event sponsor(s) for follow-up communications related to the event or their services. If you prefer not to have your information shared, please contact the event organizer directly.
Please note: Photos, videos and recordings may be taken during the event and used for marketing or promotional purposes by the organizers and sponsors. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in these materials.
Event venue & nearby stays
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, United States
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