Research — Innovation Center
From idea to innovation.
The research direction of LEVELUP TRD focuses on studying emerging cyber threats, applying artificial intelligence and new technologies to real business problems, and developing innovative products.
Transparency note: the areas presented below are the planned fields of activity of the TRD center. The current status of each is shown separately and will be updated as activities begin.
01TRD activity map
Six areas, one interconnected system.
Training-focused areas develop people, while research-focused areas develop knowledge and products. The Cyber Range and Simulation Center connects the two in a hands-on environment.
01Training-focused
PlannedProfessional Training Academy
Practical training in cybersecurity, network administration, cloud, DevOps, software development, QA and system administration. Programmes for both corporate clients and individual participants.
- Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure
- Cloud & DevOps
- Software development & QA
- Corporate programmes
Academy content will draw on LevelUP Solutions' practical project experience and on findings from the research labs. Corporate training clients can also turn to LevelUP Solutions services when the need arises.
Go to the training section05Training-focused
PlannedTalent Development & Internship
Internship programmes, mentorship and real project work for university students and recent graduates, developing promising specialists.
- Internship programmes
- Mentorship
- Real projects
- Developing specialists
The programme will complement Academy training with real project experience and help build a future talent pool for LEVELUP TRD and LevelUP Solutions.
Go to the training section02Research-focused
PlannedCybersecurity Research Lab
Studying emerging cyber threats, analysing malware, researching vulnerabilities, preparing security reports and investigating defensive methods.
The Cybersecurity Research Lab is a planned direction for tracking and better understanding a changing threat landscape. Its work will focus on the systematic study of new attack techniques, malware and vulnerabilities.
Once verified, research findings will be shared as reports and articles and used to improve defensive methods.
Links to other areas
The lab's findings will enrich training content and strengthen the methodologies used in LevelUP Solutions' Penetration Testing and Red Team services.
Focus areas
- 01Threat researchTracking and analysing emerging cyber threats, attack tactics and techniques.
- 02Malware analysisStudying malware behaviour and impact mechanisms in a controlled environment.
- 03Vulnerability researchResearching security weaknesses in software and systems and disclosing them responsibly.
- 04Defensive security methodologiesResearching and refining approaches to detection, prevention and incident response.
- 05Security publications and reportsPreparing verified research findings as reports and articles.
03Research-focused
PlannedAI & Emerging Technologies Lab
Research into applying artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, machine learning and emerging technologies to real business problems.
This lab is planned as a place to explore the practical value of new technologies. The main goal is to evaluate technology not for its own sake, but in terms of solving specific business problems.
The lab intends to run experiments in AI, automation and data analytics, and to develop promising approaches into pilot solutions.
Links to other areas
Approaches tested in the lab can become prototypes within Product Research & Incubation, and successful results can be applied in LevelUP Solutions' software and SaaS work.
Focus areas
- 01Artificial intelligenceExploring how AI models can be applied to business processes and security tasks.
- 02AutomationStudying approaches to automating repetitive operations and workflows.
- 03Data analyticsInvestigating methods for turning data into insights that support decisions.
- 04Machine learningMachine learning approaches for tasks such as forecasting, classification and anomaly detection.
- 05Experimental technologiesEvaluating how emerging technologies apply to real business problems through pilot experiments.
04Bridge between training and research
PlannedCyber Range & Simulation Center
Organising hands-on cyber labs, CTF competitions, Blue Team / Red Team exercises and incident response training.
The Cyber Range & Simulation Center is planned as a bridge between the training and research directions. It aims to make it possible to rehearse attack and defence scenarios in a safe environment, without affecting real infrastructure.
Its services are intended for individual specialists as well as for SOC and IT teams training together.
Links to other areas
The Center will host the Academy's Cyber Range practical training, with scenarios built on the Cybersecurity Research Lab's work and LevelUP Solutions' Red Team experience.
Focus areas
- 01Practical cyber labsHands-on exercises in controlled lab environments that mirror real systems.
- 02CTF exercisesCapture the Flag challenges that build problem-solving and technical skills.
- 03Red Team / Blue Team exercisesJoint exercises in which attack and defence teams work through interactive scenarios.
- 04Incident response scenariosScenario-based drills on detecting, analysing and managing incidents.
06Research-focused
PlannedProduct Research & Incubation
Exploring new SaaS ideas, building prototypes (PoC/MVP), providing technical support to startups and developing promising products.
Product Research & Incubation is planned as the place where new digital product ideas are developed from initial research to prototype. Ideas will be tested at proof-of-concept (PoC) and minimum viable product (MVP) stages.
The direction is intended to cover both internal product ideas and projects from startups and organisations that need technical support.
Links to other areas
Products that successfully complete incubation may later join LevelUP's commercial portfolio, with LevelUP Solutions handling their delivery and sales.
Focus areas
- 01Proof of concept (PoC)Validating technical feasibility through a short, focused trial.
- 02Minimum viable product (MVP)Building an initial version with core functionality and testing it against user feedback.
- 03New SaaS conceptsResearching product ideas that could be delivered as cloud-based services.
- 04Innovative digital productsDesigning new digital solutions that address real business needs.
- 05Technical startup supportSupporting startups with architecture, prototyping and technology choices.
02Publications and projects
Research articles, publications and innovation projects.
The results of our research — articles, security reports and innovation projects — will be published in this section as they become available.
- Article2026-10-25Read
Penetration Testing vs. Red Team: what is the difference and when do you need each?
Both services simulate cyberattacks, but their goals, scope and results differ. This article explains the difference and how to choose the right one for your organization.
- Article2026-10-25Read
SPF, DKIM and DMARC: how to protect your company’s email domain from spoofing
Spoofed sender addresses are one of the main tools of phishing. We explain how three DNS-based mechanisms work together and the safe order in which to roll them out.
- Article2026-10-25Read
How to spot a phishing email: a practical checklist for employees
Many security incidents start with a single click. Here is a short checklist of the warning signs of a phishing email and what to do when you receive one.
Collaboration
Open to research collaboration.
We are happy to discuss collaboration opportunities with universities, technology companies and corporate organizations on commissioned research, PoC/MVP projects and technology consulting.