The Global Security Challenge - Bring Your Know-How

It's a public secret that the majority of innovative ideas come from either the academic enviroment, or plain simple entrepreneurial spirits. I find such annual competitions as a valuable incentive for both sides to unleash the full power of their ideas, or commercialize them - consciously or subconciously. SpaceShipOne is a case study on how elephants can't dance, or at least how they dance on high profit margins only.

Recently announced, The Global Security Challenge seeks "..to help young startups succeed in the security field. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get your ideas in front of investors, media, and government and industry leaders." And most importantly :

"We seek to uncover the creative capabilities of innovators in universities and infant companies that apply to public security needs. This includes software, hardware or other industrial solutions that help (a) protect people, critical infrastructure, facilities and data/electronic systems against terrorist or other criminal attacks and natural disasters or (b) help governments, businesses and communities defend against, cope with or recover from such incidents. Examples of Technologies We Seek:
- Mesh Networks
- Data Storage and Recovery
- Detection/ Sensors
- Biometrics
- Search Software
- Cyber/Network Security
- Communications Interoperability & Reconstruction
- Biological/Chemical/Radiological Remediation
- Protective Equipment
- RFID, Asset Tracking & Container Security
- Biotechnology

I bet Europe's Top Private Security Companies revenues' exceed the limit of having less than £ 10 million in annual revenues, it's worth speculating on their participation. Do your homework, know your competitors better than they do themselves,work out your elevator pitch, and disrupt.

As far as acquisitions are concerned, SiteAdvisor is the fist recently acquired startup that comes to my mind with its $70M acquisition deal valuation. As it obviously goes beyond VC type of mentorship, to many this seemed as an overhyped deal. There's no price for being a pioneer, but a price on acquiring the position -- a stairway to heaven. Right now, a vertical security market segment is slowly developing, and it is my humble opinion that the company's pioneering position is poised for success. Another alternative to SiteAdvisor's safe search function is the recently launched Scandoo.com which actually integrates the results from Google and Yahoo -- I doubt users would that easily change their search preferences though.

Who's next to get acquired, or hopefully funded?