Black Hat Announces the Global Startup Spotlight Competition

Competition launches to accelerate the identification of new technologies across five distinct global markets

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Black Hat, the cybersecurity industry’s most established and in-depth security event series, today announced its Global Startup Spotlight Competition. Expanding beyond the standalone Startup Spotlight Competition that is held at Black Hat events, this global initiative responds to the growing need for increased investment in emerging technologies. During Black Hat USA 2026, and in the months leading up to next year’s event, this platform will unite the most promising cybersecurity startups worldwide, enabling them to showcase innovative solutions during a pivotal time for the industry.

This news was first announced at the close of the Startup Spotlight Competition during Black Hat USA 2025, as today marks the final day of the event’s 6-day programming at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The Startup Spotlight Competition is a pitch competition for cybersecurity startup companies to present their products and solutions in front of a live audience at Black Hat. Over the course of the next year, these competitions will continue to take place at the regional level at all Black Hat events. The winners from all the regional competitions will then be invited to compete in the Global Startup Spotlight Competition, scheduled to take place during the final day of Black Hat USA 2026.

“The Startup Spotlight is more than a contest, since it also creates the opportunity to unite cyber startups, investors, and industry experts as they innovate new solutions that protect and shape the future of our digital world,” said Brittany Buza, Conference Producer (Startup Spotlight) at Black Hat. “In addition to working to cultivate a global cyber innovation community, the Global Competition will help to level the playing field for innovators who may not otherwise have access to US-based venture capital networks or exposure.”

Upcoming regional Startup Spotlight Competitions will take place at the following events:

• SecTor 2025: Applications are currently open at www.blackhat.com/sector/2025/spotlight.html. Submissions are due by Monday, August 18.

• Black Hat Middle East and Africa 2025: Applications to the Cyberseed Startup Competition are currently open at www.blackhatmea.com/black-hat-mea-cyberseed. Submissions are due by Monday, October 27.

• Black Hat Europe 2025: Applications will open on Wednesday, August 20. More on this event can be found here: https://www.blackhat.com/eu-25/.

• Black Hat Asia 2026: Applications will open closer to the event, and the event webpage will be available in November 2025.

• Black Hat USA 2026: Applications will open in April 2026, and the event webpage will be available in February 2026. The winner of the Black Hat USA 2026 Startup Spotlight Competition will be selected during the first main day of the event, and will then be invited to compete in the Global Competition that will take place on the final day of the event.

More details on both the regional competitions and the Global Competition will continue to be released over the following months. For more information on upcoming Black Hat events, please visit www.blackhat.com.

About Black Hat
Black Hat is the cybersecurity industry’s most established and in-depth security event series. Founded in 1997, these annual, multi-day events provide attendees with the latest in cybersecurity research, development, and trends. Driven by the needs of the community, Black Hat events showcase content directly from the community through Briefings presentations, Trainings courses, Summits, and more. As the event series where all career levels and academic disciplines convene to collaborate, network, and discuss the cybersecurity topics that matter most to them, attendees can find Black Hat events in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.blackhat.com.