University Cyber Cup 2026
A 3-month program where universities run their own Capture the Flag competitions, engage students in real-world challenges, and get recognized for excellence.
Up to $3000 Platform Credits
Global Recognition for Universities
Hands-on Learning for Students
Program Overview
In this 3-month program, our goal is to empower universities to run at least one successful CTF competition.
Enable Hands-On Learning
Provide universities with tools and environment to run practical CTF competitions, allowing students to apply cybersecurity skills through real-world challenges.
Empower Universities
Equip professors and university teams with ready-to-use resources, training, and support to independently organize and manage cybersecurity competitions.
Recognize Excellence
Highlight high-performing universities and students, providing recognition and visibility within the regional cybersecurity community.
Who Can Apply?
Universities with cybersecurity or computer science programs.
Key Benefits
For Universities
Engage Students Through Practical Learning
Drive participation through hands-on, challenge-based learning instead of purely theoretical instruction.
Build a Foundation for Future Activities
Establish the capability to run recurring cybersecurity labs and competitions within your university.
Increased Visibility
Your university's logo will be prominently displayed on Simulations Labs' social media, highlighting your support for cybersecurity.
For Students
Practical Experience
Gain hands-on experience by tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges and enhancing your technical skills.
Get Recognized for Performance
Earn certificates and recognition based on participation and results.
Professional Opportunities
Access career opportunities through CyberTalents, showcasing your skills for internships, jobs, and industry recognition.
Prizes & Recognition
Selected universities will receive up to $3,000 in Simulations Labs platform credits to support competitions, labs, and cybersecurity activities.
Best Program Overall
The professor who organizes the best-performing Program in the series, based on the highest cumulative score across all evaluation criteria, receives:
Most Engaged University
Awarded to the university with the highest student participation and completion rates relative to enrollment size. This prize rewards broad engagement rather than simply having a large student body.
Best Custom Challenge Creator
Awarded to the professor who designs and publishes the best original challenge(s) on the platform — judged on creativity, difficulty calibration, and educational value.
Fastest Rising University
Awarded to the university that demonstrates the most improvement from Month 1 to Month 3 — measured by growth in participation, solve rates, and activity consistency. This keeps late-joining or initially struggling universities motivated throughout the program.
Community Champion
Awarded to the professor or student club that does the most to promote cybersecurity culture at their campus — measured by number of events organized, social media activity, peer mentoring, and cross-departmental outreach.
First Blood King
Awarded to the student or team across the entire series with the most "first blood" solves — the first to solve a challenge before anyone else. A crowd-favorite in the CTF community that adds excitement across all events.
General Recognition
Digital certificates of achievement for all participants.
Public announcement recognizing top-performing universities on Simulations Labs channels.
Opportunities for students through CyberTalents.
Program Timeline
A structured 3-month journey from onboarding to full independence.
01
Month 1Onboarding & First Run
- Platform onboarding sessions and initial training for professors/organizers
- Access to ready-to-use CTF templates and example challenges
- First CTF executed with guidance from Simulations Labs
02
Month 2Expansion
- Second CTF run with more independence
- Student engagement grows across the university
- Optional customization of challenges tailored to course curricula
03
Month 3Full Ownership
- University runs all activities independently
- Internal cybersecurity lab capability fully established
- Performance measured and ranked across the full program