TLN Cybersecurity Challenge 2026

Technology is evolving quickly, and so are the threats that come with it.

The TLN Cybersecurity Challenge 2026 is a hackathon hosted by Tech Literacy Network where participants will use cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology to build solutions to real-world problems.

Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, AI, software development, privacy, or problem-solving, this challenge is an opportunity to turn an idea into a working project.

The Challenge

Build a technology-based solution that addresses a problem related to cybersecurity, online safety, or digital security.

You can use AI as a core part of your project, use it to enhance an existing cybersecurity solution, or build a solution that addresses an emerging threat created by AI.

Some areas you could explore include:

  • AI-powered cybersecurity
  • Phishing and scam detection
  • Online privacy and data protection
  • Cyberbullying and online safety
  • Any other cybersecurity-related problem you want to tackle

You don't need to build the next major cybersecurity platform. We care more about the problem you're solving, how you approach it, and the impact your solution could have.

Why Participate?

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Build a project from an idea
  • Explore AI and cybersecurity
  • Work with other students and developers
  • Showcase your project
  • Receive feedback from judges

Projects will be evaluated based on their idea, technical implementation, creativity, cybersecurity relevance, and potential impact.

Requirements

Submission Requirements

Each team or individual must submit the following:

1. Build a Cybersecurity Solution

Create a working prototype or demonstration that addresses a clear, real-world problem related to:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Online safety
  • Privacy and data protection
  • Digital security

Your project should demonstrate a meaningful attempt to solve the problem, whether through a web application, mobile application, software tool, prototype, or other technology-based solution.

2. Devpost Project Submission

Your Devpost submission must include:

  • Project Name - The name of your project.
  • Project Description - Briefly explain what you built and why.
  • Technologies Used - List the programming languages, frameworks, APIs, tools, and other technologies used.

3. Project Demo

Where possible, provide a link that allows judges to explore or test your project.

This could be:

  • Live website
  • Working application
  • GitHub repository
  • Prototype

If your project cannot be hosted or made publicly accessible, you can demonstrate it through your submission video instead.

4. Demo Video

Submit a video under 5 minutes that demonstrates your project and clearly explains:

  • The Problem - What cybersecurity issue are you addressing?
  • Your Solution - What did you build?
  • How It Works - Demonstrate the key features.
  • Technology - What technologies did you use?
  • Impact - Who could benefit from your solution and how?

5. AI & External Tools Disclosure

AI tools and other external resources are allowed during the hackathon. However, participants must disclose any significant use of AI tools in their project.

Briefly explain:

  • Which AI tools were used
  • How they were used

Participants are responsible for understanding their submitted work and should be able to explain their code, design decisions, and overall solution.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$1,685+ in prizes
+ other prizes
Grand Prize
$385 in cash
1 winner

Each member of the Grand Prize-winning team will receive 1 year of DevSwarm Pro, valued at $96 per participant, for a total value of $384 for a team of 4.

1st Place
$100 in cash
1 winner

Each member of the 1st-place team will receive a $25 AoPs coupon, for a total prize value of $100 for a team of four.

2nd Place
1 winner

Outstanding technical execution, creativity, and impact.

3rd Place
1 winner

Strong and innovative cybersecurity project with clear potential.

Best Cybersecurity Solution
1 winner

Awarded to the project with the strongest practical cybersecurity application.

Best Beginner Project
1 winner

Recognizing an impressive project from participants with limited prior hackathon experience.

All Participants
$8 in cash
150 winners

Every participant will receive 1 month of DevSwarm Pro, valued at $8 per participant, to support them during the hackathon.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Gurnoor Kaur

Gurnoor Kaur
Founder, Tech Literacy Network

Judging Criteria

  • Impact & Relevance
    How effectively does the project address a real-world cybersecurity problem, and how meaningful could its impact be?
  • Technical Implementation
    How well does the project work, and how effectively does it use technology to solve the problem?
  • Innovation & Creativity
    How original is the idea, and does it demonstrate creative problem-solving?
  • User Experience & Design
    How intuitive, accessible, and practical is the solution for its intended users?
  • Presentation & Demo
    How clearly does the team explain the problem, solution, technical decisions, and demonstrate their project?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete

Hackathon sponsors

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.