Meet CYSEC co-founder Patrick Trinkler and learn more about Venture Leader Technology's confidential computing solution

31.10.2021 12:55, Isabelle Mitchell

Data in use—the data accessed, processed, read, or erased by a system—is particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cloud and edge computing work with data in use, making the systems an attractive target for hackers. This vulnerability has become a key obstacle for organizations that want to advance collaboration and innovation through these new systems. Patrick Trinkler and his team at CYSEC close that security gap: The Lausanne-based startup develops CYSEC ARCA Trusted OS to protect sensitive data in all its states to ensure that organizations can adopt cloud and edge computing to advance their business. Learn more about Patrick’s expectations for the Venture Leaders Technology experience, and discover what inspires his entrepreneurial career.

Earlier this year, 10 technology startups—covering a range of topics such as computer vision, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainability—joined the Swiss National Startup Team. To advance their global growth, the Venture Leaders Technology 2021 will travel to Silicon Valley to showcase Switzerland’s innovative power and network with investors and industry leaders. To ensure you know which startups transform the technology industry, we will introduce you to the startups selected by the expert jury. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life. 

Name: Patrick Trinkler 
Location: EPFL Innovation Park, Building D 
Nationality: Swiss 
Graduated from: HES-SO - HEG Genève, bachelor’s degree in electronics (graduated in 1997) and a master’s degree in project management (graduated in 2005) 
Your job title: Co-founder and CEO of CYSEC
Number of employees: +25  
Money raised: CHF 7 million  
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2006, for a Venturelab entrepreneurship course on business development
 
“CYSEC provides ARCA Trusted OS, a software-based solution for protecting highly sensitive data and workloads deployed on premises, in the cloud, or in embedded platforms.”
 
 How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
Yacine Felk and I are the co-founders and have vast experience in cybersecurity. We have spent years working on deep technological innovations related to quantum technologies and quantum cryptography. In 2018, after the exit of our previous Geneva University spin-off, ID Quantique, we decided to create a new venture to provide a transparent data security solution that has a large business impact. 
We spent years pushing for technology in a niche market, and moving forward, we wanted to use our expertise to provide a transparent security solution for sensitive applications within our digital transformation: making secure cryptography tools easy to use, giving access to confidential computing technology in one click, simplifying the access to data confidentiality and integrity, and removing complex infrastructures.   
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
We believe organizations should benefit from state-of-the-art security in a straightforward, transparent, and cost-efficient way. Our main vision is to protect sensitive data in all its states and provide a secure container hosting solution that delivers a computing environment you can trust, is easy to deploy and work with. We are sure that the Venture Leaders roadshow will help us achieve our vision by meeting new, interesting professionals with similar backgrounds and by helping us develop and consolidate our pitch. 

What is one thing not many people know about you?
Italian is my mother tongue. 

What would be the title of your biography?
Innovation. In my career, I have always been in charge of innovation projects—in the field of quantum technologies and data science. 

What is the one talent you wish you had? 
Being a good cook. 

What is your favorite movie?
The Godfather (I and II), I am a fan of Al Pacino. 
 
What is your favorite book?
The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition Caroline Alexander, because Sir Ernest Shackleton is a unique leader with an incredible team-building mindset. 

What is always in your fridge? 
White wine!  
 
How did you come up with the name of your startup?
CYber SECurity = CYSEC 

What is your favorite productivity hack?
Coffee. A coffee break with clients, partners, or colleagues is the best way to get feedback.  

What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder? 
Team building and finding talents for your company.  


For more information and updates on CYSEC and the Venture Leaders Technology, follow the Venture Leaders Technology 2021 team with #VLeadersTech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
The Venture Leaders Technology 2021 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by dpd Switzerland, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Intel, Kellerhals Carrard, Rothschild & Co, and the Canton of Vaud.