About the All-Ukrainian Cybersecurity Olympiad
The All-Ukrainian Cybersecurity Olympiad is the national selection stage for the International Olympiad in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence ICOA 2026. It takes place on April 25-26, 2026, at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, which is the officially accredited coordinator of the competition in Ukraine.
The main goal of the Olympiad The main goal of the Olympiad is to identify talented youth and develop their potential through the synergy of classical cyber defense tools and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Why should you participate in the All-Ukrainian Cybersecurity Olympiad?
- Path to the international stage: based on rankings and interviews, the national team will be formed to represent Ukraine in the world final in Sydney (Australia).
- Mastering the AI4CTF format: participants will gain practical experience in using small language models to automate security processes, a highly sought-after skill in today’s job market.
- Career preparation: participation in a competition of this level helps students identify their strengths in AI Safety and build a foundation for future professional education.
The national selection will take place on April 25-26, 2026, in an online format under Capture the Flag (Jeopardy style) rules. The competition program includes two key tracks:
- AI4CTF - using AI for defense automation: application of small language models (including GPT-4o mini and similar models) for source code analysis, vulnerability discovery, and cryptographic analysis.
- CTF4AI - security of intelligent systems: studying methods for protecting neural networks themselves from manipulation, countering data attacks, and technical incident investigation in AI systems.
Participation Conditions
- Team format: the competition is held in an individual ranking. Based on the competition results, the Coaching Staff will select the top 20 best participants who will proceed to a specialized training stage. The national team of 4 members will be finally formed based on the results of this training.
- Participant categories: students of general secondary, vocational, and extracurricular education institutions.
- Age limits: participants aged 15 to 20 years (not older than 20 as of July 1, 2026).
- Cost: participation in the national selection is completely free of charge.
Based on the final ranking and individual interview results, the national team of Ukraine will be formed. Winners will earn the right to represent the country at the ICOA 2026 international final in Sydney in June-July 2026.