The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate awarded $200,000 to Pulzze Systems, Inc., a small business based in Santa Clara, California, to advance detection capability and security monitoring of networked systems, collectively known as the Internet of Things.

This is the first award from a DHS program designed to engage non-traditional performers in developing solutions to some of the toughest security threats.

“DHS S&T opened a Silicon Valley office to bridge the gap between the department and the creative thinkers in Silicon Valley,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “This first innovation award proves DHS can keep pace with the innovation community and is moving in the right direction to become a viable partner.”

The work by the Pulzze team aims to secure infrastructures by improving visibility and providing dynamic detection as components connect or disconnect from a networked system.

The Internet of Things is a convergence of mobile devices, information technology networks, connected sensors and devices. The DHS call for security solutions seeks novel ideas and technologies to improve situational awareness and security for protecting these domains, including the 16 critical infrastructure sectors monitored by DHS.

“We’re trying to mirror the way Silicon Valley and other innovative investment communities work,” said DHS Silicon Valley office managing director Melissa Ho. “We issued this call in December and made our first award two months later, demonstrating our ability to adapt to new ways of doing business.”