US Homeland Security Dept Launches IAM tools comp

The US Department of Homeland Security has launched a new competition in the tech sector to find the best identity management applications to help strengthen the future security of its nation.

Working through its Homeland Security Technology Consortium (HSTech), which is responsible for fast tracking collaborative technology innovations, the department has joined forces with non-profit tech funding facilitators Tech Connect to find the best IAM applications.

Laying out The Security Innovation Challenge criteria – which offers a total prize pool of $25,0000 – HS Tech said in a statement that applicants should submit “privacy-centric solutions for both civilian and federal applications.”

In the context of IAM solutions, HS Tech added that it would consider applications that included any of the following technologies “Pattern recognition software; real-time analytics platforms; sensors; scanners; imaging; cybersecurity platforms; data harmonisation software and artificial intelligence and machine learning.”

Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions on site to investment, industry and military tech scouts, as well as consortium representatives at the Defence TechConnect Innovation Summit, this September in Washington DC.

Top-ranked candidates will also receive a one-year free membership in HS Tech and access to engagement opportunities through the consortium.

Matthew Laudon, vice president of the TechConnect division said that the competition presented an opportunity for prototype funding and was an opportunity for tech firms to connect their emerging security technologies with key government requirements.

Ari Schuler, Chairman of HSTech’s Executive Committee, added: “The Homeland Security Technology Consortium knows that privacy-centric identity management technologies and processes remain critical capabilities to advance homeland security missions. We look forward to seeing what innovative solutions come out of this challenge to support the DHS mission.”

The closing date for applications is June 30.