Fredericton cybersecurity company Bulletproof has won the Security category in the 2021 global Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, while Kognitiv Spark, also of Fredericton, was a finalist in two categories.

The companies were honored among a global field of Microsoft partners for developing innovative solutions based on Microsoft technology. 

“There is no shortage of virtual high fives and wide smiles among the Bulletproof team today,” said Bulletproof CEO Chris Johnston in a statement. “Being recognized with the Security 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award at the global level is an incredible honor that truly validates the significant impact Bulletproof’s end-to-end security solutions are having in driving value (and peace of mind) for Microsoft customers.”

Founded in Fredericton in 2000, Bulletproof specializes in cybersecurity, protecting its clients’ privacy and data. The company, which was bought in 2016 by GLI Group of Lakewood, N.J., also has offices in Moncton, Saint John, Charlottetown, Halifax, Austin, Las Vegas, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed Microsoft-based solutions. With awards presented in several categories, the awards program received more than 4,400 nominations from more than 100 countries.

Bulletproof said it has also been named a finalist in two categories of the 2021 Microsoft Canada IMPACT Awards – the Security Impact Award and Covid Response Marketing Impact Award. Winners will be announced later this month.

In 2019, Bulletproof won the Microsoft Canada Modern Workplace Innovation Partner of the Year Impact Award.

Meanwhile, Microsoft recognized Kognitiv Spark as a finalist in the Defense and Intelligence and Mixed Reality categories in the annual global awards. Two years ago, Kognitiv Spark was also a finalist in the Mixed Reality category.

The Fredericton company uses augmented reality and mixed reality to assist remote workers using complicated equipment.

"We are immensely proud to be recognized on a global scale once again in 2021 as it reinforces our position as a world-class leader in the mixed reality space,” said Kognitiv CEO Yan Simard in a statement. “Our small yet robust team at Kognitiv Spark is dedicated to creating solutions designed to empower workers with autonomy and confidence through the use of intelligent and intuitive technology. Without the collaboration and support from Microsoft, our clients, network, and partners, none of this would have been possible."