Phinorm tied for first place in the Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA Program Global New Venture Challenge, receiving approximately $185,000 for its on-device drone classification and location software for defense sensors that reduce compute burden while improving early detection accuracy.

Phinorm was announced as part of the inaugural ICDA aerospace and defense cohort in Central Texas, highlighted for advanced signal processing that improves Counter-UAS sensor accuracy and detection range through software-only upgrades on existing hardware.

Co-founder and COO John Fabros announced that Phinorm was selected for the Chicago Booth Sokolov Executive MBA Program Global New Venture Challenge, formally entering the accelerator-style program to develop its radar-based drone threat detection venture.

Phinorm’s pitch profile described its software-only solution that operates on existing radar and sensor hardware at the edge to improve spotting of small drones, with field results in radar, extension to acoustics, and a patent application filed on the core method.

The Polsky Center publicly highlighted Phinorm as developing on-device drone classification and location software for defense sensors to enable warfighters to detect drones earlier and with greater accuracy, reinforcing its positioning in defense sensor software.

Phinorm publicized participation in an ICDA cohort focused on Counter-UAS in Central Texas, stating that its software improves detection range and accuracy of existing Counter-UAS sensors with no new hardware required, positioning the company within regional defense innovation networks.