TLN Cybersecurity Challenge 2026 is a hackathon hosted by the Tech Literacy Network where participants use cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology to build solutions to real-world problems. Whether you are interested in cybersecurity, AI, software development, privacy, or problem-solving, this challenge offers an opportunity to turn an idea into a working project.
The Challenge
Participants must 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. Areas of exploration 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
The focus is on the problem being solved, the approach taken, and the potential impact of the solution rather than building a major platform.
Requirements
Teams or individuals must submit a working prototype or demonstration addressing a clear, real-world problem. Submissions via Devpost must include:
- Project Name and Description: A brief explanation of what was built and why.
- Technologies Used: A list of programming languages, frameworks, APIs, tools, and other technologies utilized.
- Project Demo: A link allowing judges to explore or test the project (e.g., live website, working application, GitHub repository, or prototype). If public hosting is not possible, the project must be demonstrated through a submission video.
- Demo Video: A video under 5 minutes demonstrating the project and explaining the problem addressed, the solution built, how it works, the technologies used, and the potential impact.
- AI & External Tools Disclosure: Participants may use AI tools but must disclose significant usage, specifying which tools were used and how they were applied. Participants remain responsible for understanding their submitted work and must be able to explain their code and design decisions.
Judging Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on:
* Impact & Relevance: Effectiveness in addressing real-world cybersecurity problems.
* Technical Implementation: How well the project works and uses technology.
* Innovation & Creativity: Originality and creative problem-solving.
* User Experience & Design: Intuitiveness, accessibility, and practicality.
* Presentation & Demo: Clarity in explaining the problem, solution, and technical decisions.
Prizes
- Grand Prize: Each team member receives an SSOJet license (valued at $1,188/year per participant) and $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits.
- 1st Place: Each team member receives $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits and 1 year of DevSwarm Pro.
- 2nd Place: Each team member receives $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits and a $25 AoPS coupon.
- 3rd Place: Each team member receives $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits and a free .xyz domain for one year.
- Best Cybersecurity Solution: Each team member receives $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits and a free .xyz domain for one year.
- Best Beginner Project: Each team member receives $1,000 in Adaption Platform credits and a free .xyz domain for one year.
- All Participants: Every participant receives $500 in Adaption Platform credits and 1 month of DevSwarm Pro.