Tampa Bay Wave Launches 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator Cohort

15 high-growth cybersecurity startups selected for the program

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Tampa Bay Wave, a leading nonprofit technology accelerator, has announced the selection of 15 high-growth cybersecurity startups for the 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator program. The cohort includes companies from the Tampa Bay region, across the United States, and internationally, showcasing a broad spectrum of cybersecurity innovation.

Why it matters

The CyberTech|X Accelerator is designed to support founders in the cybersecurity industry, providing them with resources, mentorship, and access to a collaborative ecosystem to help them navigate the rapidly evolving cyber landscape. The program's focus on fostering innovation and growth in the cybersecurity sector aligns with Tampa Bay's efforts to position itself as a hub for technology and innovation.

The details

The 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator cohort features 15 cybersecurity startups, including companies from Durham, NC; Charlotte, NC; Clearwater, FL; Menlo Park, CA; Chicago, IL; Brooklyn, NY; Gulfport, MS; Boca Raton, FL; London, UK; Pinecrest, FL; Chicago, IL; London, UK; Tampa, FL; Houston, TX; and New York, NY. The startups cover a range of cybersecurity solutions, including threat detection, secure systems design, risk management, and innovative technology development.

  • The 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator program launched on February 5, 2026.

The players

Tampa Bay Wave

A leading nonprofit technology accelerator with a mission to accelerate Florida's innovation ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions and scalable businesses.

Linda Olson

The president and CEO of Tampa Bay Wave.

Dr. Richard Munassi

The Accelerator Managing Director at Tampa Bay Wave.

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What they’re saying

“Our CyberTech|X Accelerator is designed to meet founders where they are in their business development journey and help them grow with intention.”

— Linda Olson, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Wave (bakercityherald.com)

“The 2026 CyberTech|X cohort of cybersecurity startups from the local area, United States and abroad is led by tremendous founders with deep subject matter expertise and validated solutions solving some of the most difficult problems in cybersecurity.”

— Dr. Richard Munassi, Accelerator Managing Director, Tampa Bay Wave (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The CyberTech|X Accelerator program will run for several months, providing the selected startups with access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them grow and scale their businesses. At the end of the program, the startups will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors and potential partners.

The takeaway

Tampa Bay's efforts to position itself as a hub for cybersecurity innovation are gaining momentum with the launch of the 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator program. By supporting a diverse cohort of high-growth cybersecurity startups, Tampa Bay Wave is helping to foster the development of cutting-edge solutions that can address some of the most pressing challenges in the cybersecurity industry.