RSA Conference 2027 RSA Conference 2027

Innovation Sandbox

21 Years     
200+ Finalists     
Thousands of Applicants     
$17B+ Raised     
$50B+ in Exit Value

The Startup Contest Shaping Tomorrow's Security, Today

Each year, hundreds of startups submit to the RSAC Innovation Sandbox (ISB) contest for a chance at the title of "Most Innovative Startup." Only 10 are named a Top 10 Finalist and earn a spot to pitch live in front of an elite judging panel at RSA Conference.

A Track Record of Choosing Winners

Think Your Startup Has What It Takes to Be a Top 10 Finalist?

Submissions for RSAC Innovation Sandbox 2027 will Open on December 1

The following must apply to your product:

  • Launched between December 1, 2025 and January 10, 2027
  • Takes an original and sound approach to solving a problem
  • Matches an identified problem in the cybersecurity marketplace
  • Has the potential to make a significant impact on information security
  • Is validated through a client's purchase and implementation of product

The following must apply to your company:

  • Has implemented a plan or has a go-to-market strategy in place to execute delivery of product commercially
  • Has a strong management structure and team in place
  • Is privately held with less than $5M in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)     

"Privately held" means the shares of the company are controlled by a small number of shareholders and are not publicly traded. Company must not be an Affiliate of an entity whose shares are publicly traded. Affiliate shall mean a legal entity that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with the company. "Control" means more than 20% of the voting power or ownership interests.

RSA Conference 2027 2026 Innovation Sandbox Winner

ISB Top 10 Finalists Receive:

  • $5M uncapped SAFE investment—to fuel your next phase of growth with a Founder-Friendly investment
  • The main stage—pitch live to an elite judging panel and 1,000+ industry insiders
  • Pitch-ready coaching—from pros who'll sharpen your story until it lands
  • Multi-channel visibility—your logo across RSAC webpages, plus podcast and channel promotion
  • A seat at the table—membership to the RSAC Founders' Circle, with invites to private events
    • Plus, the Winner Receives:

  • A turnkey kiosk in the RSAC Early Stage Expo—instant visibility with Conference attendees
  • Media interviews to amplify your story
  • The title of "Most Innovative Startup 2027"—bragging rights that open doors
  • $5M Changes Everything

    Skip years of trial and error with funding that gets you there faster. Invest straight in branding, hiring, and growth.

    ISB Dupe

    Capital Commitment

    $5M

    Uncapped Founder-Friendly SAFE,
    Per Finalist Delivered by Crosspoint Capital.
    Download Details

    2026 RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest Winner

    Geordie AI Is Changing the Game in Agentic AI Security

    Geordi was selected for its security and governance platform purpose-built for AI agents. Enterprises get a deep, real-time and understanding of their agent footprint, posture and behavior, and natively identity and mitigate risk to safely agentic innovation.

    What ISB Unlocked for Us

    Founders from past cohorts describe how RSAC Innovation Sandbox elevated their visibility, earned them credibility with enterprise buyers, and connected them to founder-friendly capital.

    ISB Dupe

    Founders’ Circle: Keeping Innovators Connected

    Innovation doesn't stop after the competition. Founders' Circle keeps Innovation Sandbox alumni connected through exclusive networking, collaboration, and ongoing opportunities to grow.