First Place $10,000 Prize: Arvind Sundaram, Covert Defenses

Cybersecurity threats are continuously evolving, and innovation is critical. Arvind Sundaram together with Hany Abdel-Khalik founded Covert Defenses in 2018 as a pre-seed startup with a mission to protect critical assets from cyber threats. Their flagship product, the Covert Cognizance platform, is designed to ensure zero downtime for military drones and industrial systems, even during cyberattacks.

Covert Defenses was born out of Purdue University, leveraging the patented Covert Cognizance technology developed by Hany Abdel-Khalik. Recognizing the pressing need for robust cybersecurity solutions, Arvind Sundaram joined forces with Hany to establish Covert Defenses. Their combined expertise and vision laid the foundation for a company focused on protecting critical systems from the growing threat of cyberattacks.

The core of Covert Defenses is the Covert Cognizance platform, a cutting-edge Platform as a Service (PaaS) that offers comprehensive protection for military drones and industrial systems.

• Military Drones: Drones are indispensable in modern military operations, offering capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical support. However, they are also highly susceptible to cyber threats like data manipulation and signal interference. The Covert Cognizance platform provides real-time threat detection and mitigation, ensuring that military drones remain secure and operational even during cyberattacks.

• Industrial Systems: Industrial sectors such as manufacturing and utilities face significant risks from ransomware and other cyber threats, which can lead to severe disruptions, financial losses, and safety hazards. Covert Cognizance safeguards these systems, ensuring continuous operation and security, thus maintaining productivity and safety standards.

Since its inception, Covert Defenses has made remarkable strides in the cybersecurity industry. Under Arvind Sundaram's leadership, the company has focused on demonstrating proof-of-concept, performing customer discovery, and developing a prototype in collaboration with industrial partners Siemens and GTI Energy.

One of the significant achievements of Covert Defenses is securing over $4 million in non-dilutive grants and contracts from governmental sources since 2022. These funds have been instrumental in advancing their technology and demonstrating its efficacy in real-world scenarios.

Arvind Sundaram's journey to co-founding Covert Defenses is marked by a deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges and a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions. His background in cybersecurity and passion for protecting critical infrastructure have been pivotal in shaping the company's vision and strategy.

Arvind's leadership has been characterized by his proactive approach to threat mitigation and his ability to foresee emerging cybersecurity challenges. His work at Covert Defenses exemplifies the importance of forward-thinking leadership in addressing the complex and ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

What’s Next?

The collaboration with industrial giants like Siemens and GTI Energy has been a crucial factor in Covert Defenses' success. These partnerships have provided valuable insights and resources, enabling the development of a robust prototype that meets industry standards and expectations.

Looking ahead, Covert Defenses is poised to make a significant impact in the cybersecurity field. The ongoing support from investors and strategic partners, combined with the innovative spirit of Arvind Sundaram and his team, positions the company for continued growth and success.

In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the need for solutions like the Covert Cognizance platform is more critical than ever. Arvind Sundaram's dedication to ensuring zero downtime for critical systems highlights the innovative and proactive approach necessary to safeguard our most vital assets.

As we celebrate the achievements of Arvind Sundaram and Covert Defenses, we look forward to the continued advancements they will bring to cybersecurity, protecting essential systems from the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.