About ICO

What is ICO?

The International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO) is a high-level global competition bringing together top cybersecurity talent from across the world. Founded in 2025 by Prof. Tan Sun Teck in Singapore, ICO was established as an international platform where elite students confront advanced cybersecurity challenges and engage with leading experts in the field.

Positioned among the most prestigious scientific competitions, ICO operates on a rotating host model, with a different country organizing the event each year. This structure reinforces its international stature and ensures global participation at every edition.

The inaugural edition, hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), set the standard by gathering teams from multiple nations to compete in rigorous, research-driven challenges. ICO promotes excellence in cybersecurity, strengthens international collaboration, and contributes to shaping a new generation of professionals committed to securing the digital landscape.

Our Mission

ICO aims to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing a world-class competitive platform. We believe that early exposure to real-world security challenges cultivates critical thinking, technical excellence, and a passion for defending the digital world.

In an era where cyber threats are growing more sophisticated by the day, the need for skilled security professionals has never been greater. ICO addresses this global skills gap by identifying and nurturing talent at the secondary education level — giving students the tools, exposure, and motivation to pursue careers in cybersecurity long before they enter the workforce.

Beyond competition, ICO fosters a vibrant international community of young security enthusiasts. Participants form lasting connections across borders, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects that extend well beyond the olympiad itself. Many ICO alumni have gone on to contribute to open-source security tools, lead university CTF teams, and intern at top cybersecurity firms around the world.

We are committed to making cybersecurity education accessible and inclusive. ICO actively works with national delegations to ensure diverse representation, provides learning resources to help newcomers prepare, and maintains a welcoming environment where curiosity and ethical hacking are celebrated. Our goal is not just to find the best — but to raise the bar for everyone.

Through partnerships with leading academic institutions, industry sponsors, and government agencies, ICO continues to expand its reach and impact. Each edition of the olympiad pushes the boundaries of what young people can achieve in cybersecurity, and we are proud to play a role in shaping the defenders of tomorrow's digital landscape.

History

The inaugural ICO was held in 2025 at the National University of Singapore, founded by Prof. Tan Sun Teck. It set the standard by gathering teams from multiple nations to compete in rigorous, research-driven challenges. The 2026 edition in Tunisia marks the competition's continued growth, expanding to 34+ participating nations and establishing itself as the definitive benchmark for youth cybersecurity talent worldwide.

Context & Strategic Value

An Identified Need

High-potential cybersecurity talent lacks global exposure and competitive platforms. ICO fills this gap by providing a world-class stage for the next generation.

A Strategic Opportunity

Each edition positions its host country at the center of a global, high-value tech event. ICO connects international talent, institutions, and industry in one ecosystem.

A Differentiated Positioning

A prestigious global Olympiad hosted on a rotating country model, creating a direct link between elite talent, real-world challenges, and future recruitment pipelines.

Key Stakes

Visibility

International exposure across a high-level, tech-driven audience.

Engagement

Direct interaction with top global cybersecurity talent and experts.

Impact

Early access to future experts and strategic positioning in the cybersecurity space.