Start-Up Relocates HQ to Rome, NY to Tackle Widespread Hardware-Level Cyber Threats with Regional Partners
Rome, NY – 30 April 2025 – Faction Networks, a disruptive cybersecurity start‑up currently based in Troy, NY, has announced plans to establish its software development and operations headquarters at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY. The company will join the Griffiss Institute’s incubator, integrating into a vibrant innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate breakthroughs in national security, defence technology, and advanced cybersecurity.
Faction Networks’ move reflects a long‑term commitment to Upstate New York and the Mohawk Valley’s growing reputation as a hub for emerging research, technology transition, and start‑up growth. The company will benefit from close proximity to the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL) and a network of trusted collaborators advancing mission‑critical solutions in cyber assurance and resilient infrastructure.
Working alongside key regional partners, including Assured Information Security (AIS) and Marq4 Automation, Faction Networks is addressing a critical and often‑overlooked challenge in the cybersecurity landscape: the presence of intentional vulnerabilities embedded in routing hardware and smart electronics. These hardware‑level threats often render traditional software protections ineffective, making a bottom‑up, decentralised security architecture essential.
“By relocating to Innovare and partnering with Griffiss Institute, we’re positioning ourselves in a dynamic ecosystem that’s committed to cybersecurity, innovation, and national defence,” said Geoff Halstead, Co‑Founder and Chief Product Officer of Faction Networks. “This opportunity allows us to collaborate with forward‑thinking partners and contribute to the region’s momentum in defence technology and economic development.”
Dave Rand, Faction Networks Co‑Founder, CEO & CTO, added: “If you can’t trust the hardware, then all of your cybersecurity software is worthless. Over 90 % of routers and smart devices today are manufactured in regions with known vulnerabilities. At Faction, when we say ‘Zero Trust,’ we mean all the way down to the firmware, the hardware, and the microchips. That’s the foundation we’re building from, right here in Rome.”
Through its partnership with the Griffiss Institute, Faction Networks will gain access to specialised laboratories, a vibrant community of researchers and entrepreneurs, and tailored support to help scale high‑impact technology ventures. This move strengthens the Mohawk Valley’s growing position as a national launchpad for innovative companies working at the intersection of security and economic competitiveness.
About Faction Networks
Faction Networks is a disruptive innovator in cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to building platforms, apps, and tools that enable everyday users and small to mid‑sized organisations and groups to achieve true zero‑trust security and privacy for their networking, devices, communications, and data. With a focus on decentralisation, ease of use, and comprehensive protection, Faction Networks is committed to transforming the way people think about and use cybersecurity solutions. Faction Networks delivers Zero Trust for the Rest of Us™.
About Griffiss Institute
The Griffiss Institute (GI) is a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator for the United States Department of Defense and an international network of academic, government, and industry partners. Since 2002, the GI has served the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL), the Mohawk Valley region, and the United States, empowering diverse teams with talent and technology development programmes that lead the nation in technical and economic impact. Devoted to converging teams and technologies to solve complex national challenges, the GI is proud to enable its international network from its home at Innovare Advancement Center in New York’s picturesque Mohawk Valley. To learn more, visit griffissinstitute.org
About the Innovare Advancement Center
The Innovare Advancement Center is an open innovation hub accelerating breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and uncrewed systems. Located at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, NY, and managed by the Griffiss Institute, Innovare enables unclassified collaboration near the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL). Innovare brings together partners from government, industry, and academia to advance national security, drive technology transition, support high‑impact start‑ups, and develop future talent. With specialised labs, conference facilities, and a globally connected research community, Innovare serves as a launchpad for ideas that protect and empower our nation.
Media Contacts
For Faction Networks:
Amy Cunha
Big Picture PR
amy@bigpicpr.com
415‑350‑3154
