Matej Michalko

Matej Michalko is a Slovak entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and post-quantum cybersecurity innovator. He is the founder and CEO of Decent Cybersecurity, a company specializing in post-quantum encryption, blockchain technologies, and advanced cyber defence solutions for critical infrastructure, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Early life and education

Matej Michalko studied Computer Science at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He began working with cryptography and distributed systems in the early stages of blockchain development.

Career

Early involvement in blockchain

Matej Michalko started mining Bitcoin in 2010, progressing from CPU-based mining to GPU, FPGA, and ASIC systems. He later founded multiple ventures in the blockchain ecosystem, including one of the first Bitcoin-focused marketing agencies and a crypto e-gaming consulting firm.

He was also involved in organizing early cryptocurrency conferences, such as BitcoinExpo and BTC2B Congress, and contributed to the global expansion of blockchain adoption, including hosting early events in China.

Entrepreneurship

Matej Michalko founded ALAX, an alternative Android app distribution platform targeting Asian markets, which was later sold. He also co-founded 3IPK, a technology company recognized in Deloitte’s Fast 50 Central Europe ranking in 2023, working with clients such as Airbus and Thales Group.

Since 2013, he has served as CEO of multiple blockchain and fintech initiatives, focusing on decentralized systems and cybersecurity.

Website

The official website of Decent Cybersecurity is available at decentcybersecurity. It serves as the company’s primary platform for presenting its cybersecurity solutions, research activities, and industry collaborations.

The website outlines the company’s focus on post-quantum cybersecurity, blockchain technologies, and AI-driven cyber defence, emphasizing protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data against emerging digital threats.

Certifications and affiliations

The website highlights the company’s ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, as well as its NATO, EU, and national “Secret”-level security clearances, positioning it as a provider for government and defense-related cybersecurity services.

It also references collaboration with organizations such as NATO agencies and participation in European cybersecurity and defense initiatives.

Purpose

The website functions as a corporate, informational, and outreach platform, providing details on technological capabilities, research projects, partnerships, and industry positioning in the field of advanced cybersecurity.

Decent Cybersecurity

Matej Michalko leads Decent Cybersecurity, an international firm with offices across several European countries. The company focuses on post-quantum cryptography, blockchain infrastructure, and cyber defence technologies.

Its flagship platform, dCore, is a blockchain solution designed for media, aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity applications.

The company collaborates with organizations such as the European Space Agency, NATO, and various European institutions. It holds NATO, EU, and national-level security clearances at the “Secret” level and is certified under ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 standards.

Research and development

Michalko is involved in multiple European research and defense projects, including:

AIDA (€32M) – Development of post-quantum AI cyber-defence agents under the European Defence Fund
PQ-REACT (€5.4M) – Post-quantum cryptography migration framework (Horizon Europe)
U-HARRIER (€4M) – Heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle cyber-resilience
VEODDA (€6.6M) – Blockchain-based Earth observation verification
Secure Communication in Space (€4M) – Post-quantum communication systems
FPGA-PQC FORTRESS (€1.6M) – Hardware-based quantum-resistant cryptography
AI-QUANTUM-VERITAS (€1.4M) – AI verification using quantum-resistant methods
IMAGIN-e – Blockchain infrastructure for space applications

These initiatives focus on advancing quantum-resistant security and AI-driven cyber defence across IT, operational technology (OT), and space systems.

Leadership and affiliations

Michalko has held advisory and leadership roles in European and NATO-related initiatives, including:

National Coordinator (Slovakia) for NIAG Study Group SG-294 (Zero-Trust Architecture)
Contributor to NIAG SG-308 (Aeronautical Navigation) and SG-315 (Unmanned Systems)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Critical Infrastructure Association of Slovakia (AKI) (2025)
Member of the Presidium of the IT Association of Slovakia (ITAS)

Awards and recognition

Michalko has received several industry recognitions, including:

Forbes 30 Under 30
Startup of the Year
Best Newcomer
Challenger Award
IBC Young Pioneer shortlist

Work and impact

Matej Michalko’s work focuses on securing digital infrastructure against emerging threats posed by quantum computing. His contributions span blockchain innovation, post-quantum cryptography, and cybersecurity solutions for defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Through his leadership at Decent Cybersecurity and participation in European research initiatives, he is involved in shaping next-generation cyber defence frameworks in Europe.