Photo Courtesy bioparks.aurp.net
A year ago, Northrop Grumman partnered with bwtech@UMBC to form the Cync program with the goal of “identifying, developing, and commercializing technologies that will meet the cybersecurity needs of the DOD, DHS, DOJ and Intelligence communities,” says the website. Since then, the program has supported five technology startups—AccelerEyes, Five Directions, KoolSpan, Oculis Labs, and Rogue Networks—by providing them with office and laboratory space in UMBC’s research park, business mentorship, and access to the incubator’s resources.
According to a press release, the Cync companies are thriving, and two have earned Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Fast Track awards. Interest in the program—which seeks out companies that focus on situational awareness/visualization, sensors, processing, workflow management, and modeling simulation–is growing. Throughout the country, there are over 100 additional companies interested in participating.
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski spoke about the benefits of the program:
“This university-industry partnership is helping companies develop solutions to guard against current and future cyber threats, and it’s bringing some of the best minds in cybersecurity to our campus,” said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC. “The companies provide educational and internship opportunities for our students while also contributing to the strength of Maryland’s economy.”
Chris Valentino, director, contract research and development, Cyber Intelligence division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems says the company has plans to extend the program on a global level.
To learn more about the Cync program, visit the program's website.