TLN Hackathon 2026

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

We care more about the problem you're solving, how you approach it, and the impact your solution could have.

Tracks / Categories

No specific tracks are mentioned, but categories like "Best Cybersecurity Solution" and "Best Beginner Project" are listed in the prizes.

Required Tech & Constraints

• Ages 13+ only.
• Students only.
• Companies/professional organizations excluded from participation.
• All countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.
• AI tools and other external resources are allowed. Participants must disclose any significant use of AI tools, specifying which tools were used and how.
• Participants are responsible for understanding their submitted work and should be able to explain their code, design decisions, and overall solution.

Submission Requirements

• 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, or digital security.
• Devpost Project Submission: Include Project Name, Project Description, and Technologies Used.
• Project Demo: Provide a link to a live website, working application, GitHub repository, or prototype. If not possible, demonstrate through the submission video.
• Demo Video: Submit a video under 5 minutes demonstrating the project and explaining:
  • The Problem
  • Your Solution
  • How It Works
  • Technology Used
  • Impact
• AI & External Tools Disclosure: Briefly explain which AI tools were used and how.

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?

Prizes

• Grand Prize: $8,752 cash + SSOJet license ($4,752 value) + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value).
• 1st Place: $4,376 cash + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value) + DevSwarm Pro ( $384 value).
• 2nd Place: $4,100 cash + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value) + $100 AoPS coupon.
• 3rd Place: $4,060 cash + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value) + free .xyz domain ($60 value).
• Best Cybersecurity Solution: $4,045 cash + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value) + free .xyz domain ($60 value).
• Best Beginner Project: $4,060 cash + Adaption Platform credits ($4,000 value) + free .xyz domain ($60 value).
• All Participants: 350 winners will receive $500 in Adaption Platform credits + 1 month of DevSwarm Pro ($8 value per participant).