Oculis Labs, a cyber security firm based in Hunt Valley, MD, won the American Security Challenge Award for its
Private Eye 3.0 software last week. The prestigious national contest offers security technology companies with market-ready products an opportunity to showcase them for an audience of government and corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists.
"It's an invitation only event with sponsors like Northrup Grumman and other big defense-related players. They chose us from among 150 applicants," says Bill Anderson, Oculis Labs CEO.
The company received a trophy to commemorate the win, however, the true prize is the chance to lure potential investors, partners and customers. According to Anderson, Oculis has received inquiries from a number of firms interested in possibly partnering with the company on future projects.
"What's nice about this one is it's the largest form of recognition we've gotten so far and it gets a lot of attention from potential government customers," Anderson says. "The event is all about bringing together companies with technologies useful for solving government security problems. It's one of those events that get us attention and its nice to get the recognition."
"The products we have look relevant and real, according to feedback from judges," he continues. "They want something they can use right now, not something that works only in someone's basement. They were also looking for something really powerful. There are many companies who are making different versions of the same thing. The judges were looking for companies solving problems that have been around for awhile, and that's what we're doing."
Source: Bill Anderson, Oculis Labs
Writer: Walaika Haskins