AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator
The AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator, an equity-free program designed to accelerate UAE-based and international cybersecurity startups looking to expand into the UAE through hands-on mentorship, product development, go-to-market, and fundraising support.
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Speakers & Mentors
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti
Head of Cyber Security, UAE, CSC
Hart Rossman
VP , Security & Infrastructure - AWS Global Security, AWS
Elias Matta
Regional Vice President - Middle East and Africa, CrowdStrike
Harrison Lung
Group Chief Strategy Officer, e&
Saahil Malik
Vice President - Strategy, e& Enterprise
Chris Kachigian
VP Global Solutions, CrowdStrike
Daniel Bernard
CBO, CrowdStrike
Chris Stewart
VP Technology & Alliances, CrowdStrike
Sudhir Menon
SVP , Business Marketing, HelpAG
Eddy Farhat
Executive Director, Corporate Venture Capital, e& Capital
Bartley Richardson
Director of Cybersecurity Engineering and AI Infrastructure, NVIDIA
Tunc Ozgul
Head of Startup and VC Ecosystem, AWS
Hamzah Nazmi A. Al Najjar
Sector Lead, AWS Security, AWS
Tim Albrecht
Global Principal Lead CrowdStrike, AWS
Kartik Renjen
Head of Startups, Middle East & Africa, AWS
Osama Al Ali
UAE Security Assurance Lead, AWS
Ali Tazi
Senior Manager, SIA
Roland Daccache
Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering MEA, CrowdStrike
Phillip Soane
Sr. Mgr., MP Int'l Expansion, AWS
Bhushir Mankad
Sr. Manager - Strategic Initiatives MENAT, AWS
Maya Kreidy
Security Specialist
Geith Karam
Manager - GTM, SIA
Matt Weinberg
Principal Professional Services, AWS Security, AWS
Sarfaraz Kazi
Founder and CTO, Hive Pro
Amit Mishra
Product and Engineering Consultant
Simon Reiniche
Founder, innixus
Dona Haj
Startup Partner Dev Specialist, AWS
Timeline
Dec 23, 2025
Applications Open
Feb 15, 2026
Applications Close
Feb 16-28, 2026
Selection Process
Mar 10, 2026
Cohort Announcement
Mar 25, 2026
Accelerator Kick-off
May 1, 2026
Accelerator Ending
May 4, 2026
Top 5 Selection
May 7, 2026
Announcement of the winner at GISEC
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The AWS/CTIB Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator, an equity-free program designed to accelerate UAE-based and international cybersecurity startups looking to expand into the UAE through hands-on mentorship, product development, go-to-market, and fundraising support.
Cloud security
Application Security
Identity
GenAI
Data Security
Other
Participation Benefits
Showcase Opportunity
Winner will have the opportunity to showcase at CrowdStrike/CSC booth at Gisec 26 and CPX showcase days - innovation days with CyberE71**
** Pending availability and continuity of events
GTM Support
Co-sell sessions, 1:1 mentoring with experts, Marketplace and APN support to accelerate growth
Cloud Support
Mentoring sessions with AWS Solution Architects and access to specialized resources and industry specialists
CISO Mentors
Access to CxO mentors providing strategic, experience-driven guidance and support
Marketing & PR
Co-marketing resources and media coverage for selected startups. Digital promotion on Partner social media platforms
Demo day
Selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch to investors and ecosystem players through Demo Day
Ecosystem Engagement
Access to wide network of VC funds, compliance, technology & innovation experts including CyberE71 strategic investment framework & Partners and exposure to Crowdstrike Falcon Fund
Fundraising Support
Become funding-ready with hands-on workshops. Validate your strategy, pitch deck and storytelling and get access to leading VCs
Alumni Community
The community brings together all program members, including alumni founders for both CEOs and CTOs
Up to 70% Off
Participants and applicants are eligible to receive up to 70% off on Falcon Pro*
* Based on eligibility defined by provider
AWS Infrastructure Credits
Up to $25K Credits for up to 2 years of funding
Exclusive Events
Opportunity to showcase at leading events like GITEX, GISEC, and more & get an inclusion in platforms like the UAE Cybersecurity Council pavilion and CyberQ event**
** Pending availability and continuity of events