How to Enter and FAQ
- How do I enter the Global Security Challenge?
- Who enters GSC?
- Why should I enter?
- Do I have to pay an entry fee to participate?
- Can I enter several competitions per year?
- Where can I find feedback on my entry?
- How much time does the submission process take?
- What are previous GSC finalists doing now?
- How can I stay in touch with OmniCompete?
- How can I sponsor or make a speech at this year's conference?
If you have further questions that aren't addressed here, please check out our discussion forum as one of your fellow entrants may have already asked something similar. You must be a member of our internal network to view and contribute to the discussion forum, but registration is free and easy.
How do I enter the Global Security Challenge?
Entries should be made via the OmniCompete Internal Network. Not already a member? Register here to become a member for free. Members also receive notifications when new competitions are announced.
On average, 42% of applications originate from universities, 12% from corporate spin-outs, 29% from unaffiliated entrepreneurs and 17% from other sources. Geographically, the split of entries was 23% from Asia, 44% from Europe and 33% from the Americas.
If you have an innovative security technology idea, then we encourage you to enter the GSC.
Should you become a finalist, you will benefit from exposure to venture capitalists, government officials, industry leaders and the media. Winners receive cash awards, mentorship and invaluable publicity. For a list of competitions and prizes, see the 'Competitions' section of the website.
Significantly, top contenders from previous competitions have subsequently generated over $91 million in investment and acquisitions.
Do I have to pay an entry fee to participate?
No, all OmniCompete competitions are free of charge.
Can I enter several competitions per year?
Yes, you can enter as multiple OmniCompete competitions. Our various challenges ask different questions, have different criteria and judging committee members, so we encourage you to apply often and learn from your feedback.
Where can I find feedback on my entry?
All decisions and feedback are communicated back to you via the Internal Network. After logging in, click on the name of the competition you submitted your idea to in order to view the feedback.
How much time does the submission process take?
The application forms can be completed in one session (approx. 1-2 hours) or can be saved, altered and submitted at a later date.
The online application forms for all competitions consist of a series of questions on topics including: the benefits of your technology; your team; the market you wish to enter; and your future business plan.
If you are selected as a regional finalist of the GSC, you will be invited to showcase your innovation at a regional event. Regional events are held in Europe, North America and Asia. Winners of the regional events will then advance to the final event, held in London every November.
What are previous GSC finalists doing now?
Top contenders from previous competitions have subsequently generated over $91 million in investment and acquisitions. See below for more details:
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The Global Security Challenge winner in 2007 was NoblePeak Vision from Massachusetts, which has developed breakthrough night vision surveillance camera cores and components. They raised $12 million in a subsequent funding round, led by Chart Venture Partners of New York.
"Customer interest in our night vision technology soared from the publicity we received after winning the 2007 Global Security Challenge" said Cliff King, NoblePeak's Founder and COO. "As a direct result we are now developing new camera systems with major OEM's for market launch in 2009."
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The Global Security Challenge winner in 2006 was Ingenia Technology, a UK startup that developed a novel laser technology to authenticate documents and products. Ingenia received a significant contract from a US Federal Law Enforcement agency and launched a partnership with Bayer AG in Germany.
Mark McGlade, Director of Business Development said: "Ingenia Technology experienced a phenomenal year since winning the first Global Security Challenge in 2006."
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Privaris - a biometric identification solution provider and 2008 GSC Semi-Finalist, raised $2.5 million in venture funding in November 2008.
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Metaforic - a leading provider of anti-tamper solutions and 2008 GSC Semi-Finalist, closed a $2 million funding round from software specialist venture capitalists Pentech Ventures. The money enables the company to enter the US market.
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iViZ - an automated penetration testing software and 2007 GSC finalist, raised $2.5 million in a funding round in December 2007.
Bala Girisaballa, Vice President of iViZ said: "Getting shortlisted at Global Security Challenge has helped us to get global credibility. We congratulate GSC for providing a fantastic platform for upcoming innovative companies in the security space."
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Vumii - a video surveillance software maker and 2006 GSC finalist, has raised $3.9 million in funding.
Randal Foster, CEO of Vumii, contributed a lot of its success to the GSC by saying: "As a direct result from our participation in the GSC, Vumii acquired increased global credibility and benefited from greater global brand recognition from the investment community, security solution community, and potential employee population."
- Secerno - a database security startup and 2006 GSC finalist, raised $16 million in a funding round led by London's Amadeus Capital.
How can I stay in touch with OmniCompete?
Sign up for the OmniCompete newsletter by emailing us, and check out the discussion forums. Please email us directly if you have exciting news to share!
How can I sponsor or make a speech at this year's conference?
OmniCompete has been honored to have had some exceptional sponsors and speakers at our worldwide conferences in the past. If you are interested in becoming more involved with OmniCompete and its events, please email us.
