Global Cybersecurity Accelerator by CrowdStrike, AWS, NVIDIA

The landscape of cybersecurity is continually evolving, driven by an increasing sophistication in threats and a burgeoning reliance on cloud-based infrastructures. In response to this dynamic environment, a pivotal collaboration has emerged, marking a significant advancement in fostering innovation within the sector. CrowdStrike, a leader in cloud-delivered endpoint and workload protection, has proudly announced the third iteration of its Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator. This initiative, launched in partnership with industry giants Amazon Web Services (AWS) and NVIDIA, signifies a strategic expansion into a truly global program, facilitated by NVIDIA’s renowned Inception initiative.

Key Points

• CrowdStrike, AWS, and NVIDIA have launched their third annual Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator, expanding its reach globally through NVIDIA’s Inception.
• The accelerator is designed to support early-stage companies focused on developing cutting-edge, AI-driven cloud security solutions.
• Participants benefit from comprehensive mentorship, expert technical guidance, crucial funding opportunities, and robust go-to-market support.
• Applications for the program are open until November 15th, with the intensive eight-week curriculum scheduled from January 5th to March 3rd, 2026.
• The program culminates in a Demo Day hosted at the AWS Startup Loft in San Francisco on March 24th, 2026, coinciding with the prestigious RSA Conference.
• Exceptional participants may be considered for strategic investment from the dedicated CrowdStrike Falcon Fund, further fueling their growth.
• Since its inception, the accelerator has successfully supported 59 startups, collectively raising over US$730 million in funding and achieving several strategic acquisitions.

This accelerator represents more than just a program; it is a critical ecosystem designed to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity innovators. By providing a robust framework of mentorship, unparalleled technical guidance, essential funding avenues, and strategic go-to-market support, the initiative directly addresses the challenges faced by nascent companies striving to make an impact in the highly competitive cybersecurity market. The focus remains squarely on solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cloud security, a domain increasingly critical for enterprise resilience.

Driving AI-Driven Cloud Security Innovation

The impetus behind this global expansion is the recognition that artificial intelligence is no longer a peripheral technology but a core enabler for advanced cybersecurity defenses. As organizations increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, the need for intelligent, adaptive, and scalable security solutions becomes paramount. This accelerator specifically targets startups that are at the forefront of developing such solutions, aiming to equip them with the resources and expertise necessary to translate innovative ideas into deployable, impactful products.

Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, eloquently articulated the program's vision, stating, “Our Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator has quickly become the home for founders who are eager to change the game, redefining how security and AI come together in the cloud. Together with AWS and NVIDIA, we’re building a global ecosystem of innovators driving the future of cybersecurity. The impact of our past cohorts shows how much can be achieved when the world’s leading technology companies and bold entrepreneurs unite to secure tomorrow.” This statement underscores the collaborative spirit and the ambition to collectively shape the future of digital defense.

A Comprehensive Support Framework for Innovators

The eight-week program, scheduled from January 5th to March 3rd, 2026, is meticulously structured to provide intensive support. It covers various aspects essential for startup growth, from refining technological solutions to developing compelling business models. The ultimate demonstration of progress and potential will occur at the Demo Day on March 24th, 2026, held at the AWS Startup Loft in San Francisco, strategically timed to coincide with the esteemed RSA Conference. This provides an invaluable platform for participants to showcase their innovations to a global audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential customers.

Beyond the structured program, outstanding participants gain an extraordinary opportunity: potential consideration for investment from the CrowdStrike Falcon Fund. This fund is specifically designed to invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity startups, offering not just capital but also strategic alignment with one of the industry's most influential players. Such investment can be a game-changer for early-stage companies, providing the necessary capital to scale operations, expand market reach, and accelerate product development.

The Synergistic Power of Industry Leaders

The success of this accelerator is deeply rooted in the synergistic contributions of its three foundational partners. Each brings unique strengths and capabilities that are indispensable for fostering cybersecurity innovation:

• CrowdStrike: As a cybersecurity trailblazer, CrowdStrike brings its deep understanding of the threat landscape, its robust Falcon platform, and its extensive network within the security industry. Its role extends to providing mentorship and identifying promising solutions that can integrate or complement existing cybersecurity frameworks.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS contributes its unparalleled cloud infrastructure scalability and a vast ecosystem of services. Chris Grusz, Managing Director of Technology Partnerships at AWS Marketplace, highlighted this, stating, “Startups are driving innovation across every layer of the cybersecurity stack. Together with CrowdStrike and NVIDIA, we’re helping founders use the scalability of AWS and the expertise of our partners to accelerate their growth and bring new cloud and AI security solutions to market faster.” This partnership empowers startups to build and deploy their solutions on a globally scalable and reliable cloud platform.
• NVIDIA: NVIDIA's involvement through its Inception program underscores the critical role of AI and accelerated computing in modern cybersecurity. NVIDIA provides startups with access to advanced infrastructure, Deep Learning Institute (DLI) credits, preferred pricing on select hardware and software, and expert technical guidance. This access to cutting-edge AI technologies and expertise is crucial for startups developing agentic systems and other AI-driven security solutions that require significant computational power.

A Proven Track Record of Success

The efficacy of the Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator is evident in its impressive track record. Since its inception, the program has successfully nurtured 59 startups, which have collectively garnered over US$730 million in funding. Furthermore, several alumni companies have achieved strategic acquisitions, validating the accelerator's ability to identify and propel high-potential ventures. Notable success stories include Onum, which was acquired by CrowdStrike itself, demonstrating a direct path from accelerator participant to a strategic acquisition by a leading industry player.

Additional success stories include Remedio (formerly GYTPOL), the winner of the 2023–2024 cohort, and Terra Security, the winner of the 2024–2025 cohort. Both companies secured substantial additional funding subsequent to their participation in the accelerator, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in boosting startup visibility and investor confidence. These achievements underscore the accelerator's role not only in technological development but also in fostering sustainable business growth and market traction.

Seizing the Opportunity: Application Details

For early-stage companies aspiring to revolutionize cybersecurity through AI and cloud technologies, the application window presents a unique opportunity. Interested startups are encouraged to apply via CrowdStrike’s official website. The deadline for applications is November 15th. Participation in the accelerator is channelled through NVIDIA’s Inception program, which ensures that selected startups receive an extensive suite of benefits designed to support every stage of product development and scaling.

These benefits include not only the technical resources mentioned earlier but also invaluable networking opportunities with industry veterans and potential investors. The comprehensive nature of the support—from technical deep dives to business strategy—positions participants for accelerated growth and a higher probability of market success. The program is a testament to the idea that by bringing together the best minds and the most advanced resources, the challenges of a complex digital world can be met with innovative and effective solutions.

Conclusion: Forging the Future of Cybersecurity

The expanded global Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator by CrowdStrike, AWS, and NVIDIA is more than just a venture capital pipeline; it is a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying the global digital infrastructure. By investing in and nurturing early-stage companies focused on AI-driven cloud security, these industry leaders are not merely reacting to current threats but proactively shaping the future of cybersecurity. This collaborative effort sets a new benchmark for industry-led innovation, creating a vibrant ecosystem where bold ideas can flourish, and the next generation of security solutions can emerge to protect our increasingly interconnected world.