ICOA — the International Cyber Olympiad in AI — is the world's first international olympiad dedicated to AI security for high school students.
How is ICOA different from IOAI (International Olympiad in AI)?
IOAI tests AI capabilities (building models, ML, NLP). ICOA tests AI security (red-teaming AI, detecting AI-generated content, defending against AI attacks). They are complementary, not competitive.
What is AI4CTF × CTF4AI?
Day 1 (AI4CTF): Use AI to solve cybersecurity challenges. Day 2 (CTF4AI): Test AI systems for security vulnerabilities — prompt injection, adversarial ML, deepfake detection, and red-teaming.
Do I need programming experience for CTF4AI?
Basic programming helps, but many CTF4AI challenges (like red-teaming AI or detecting deepfakes) rely more on creative thinking than coding.
Do I need a visa to attend ICOA 2026?
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Australia. We recommend applying for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). The organizing committee plans to provide invitation letters to support your visa application. Please begin your visa application process well in advance.
Will ICOA provide visa invitation letters?
Yes, upon confirmed registration, we aim to issue official invitation letters for visa purposes. These letters will include event details, accommodation information, and confirmation of your participation. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.
What documents do I need for Australian entry?
You will need: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), approved visa, travel insurance documentation, return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and ICO invitation letter. Keep copies of all documents both printed and digital.
Is accommodation included in the registration fee?
Yes, the registration fee is expected to include 5 nights of accommodation (June 27 - July 2) at designated partner hotels in Sydney. Rooms are shared (2 contestants per room, 1-2 persons per room for leaders depending on availability). Please understand the organizing committee's arrangements. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are planned to be included.
Can I extend my stay before or after the event?
Yes, you can request extended accommodation at partner hotels at preferential rates. Please indicate your requirements during registration. Additional nights are subject to availability and will be charged separately.
Are meals provided during the event?
Yes, all meals are planned to be included: daily breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the venue during competition days, and organized dinners. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, allergies) can be accommodated - please specify during registration.
How are teams selected to participate?
Each country/territory is represented by one official team selected through national competitions or national organization selection processes. If your country doesn't have an official ICOA organization, please contact us to learn about establishing one.
What is the competition format?
ICOA 2026 features a dual-track format across two 5-hour competition days. Day 1 (AI4CTF): jeopardy-style CTF across 5 cybersecurity domains with AI assistance via a competition-provided API gateway. Day 2 (CTF4AI): a dedicated AI Security track — prompt injection, adversarial ML, deepfake detection, and red-teaming. Contestants are ranked individually based on the sum of points across both days. View the full Technical Syllabus →
What equipment is provided during competition?
Contestants must bring their own laptop (one each). Peripherals such as mice, keyboards, power adapters, and external drives are allowed. No external monitors, desktop computers, or additional devices (including mobile phones) are permitted in the competition arena. The competition is cloud-hosted and accessed via Wireguard VPN. For detailed technical requirements, please refer to the Competition Guide.
What are the age requirements for contestants?
Contestants must not be older than 20 years on the 1st of July 2026. They must have been enrolled in secondary education during September to December 2025. No polytechnic or university students are allowed to participate. Team leaders and deputies have no age restrictions.
How are winners determined?
ICO plans to award Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals based on final individual rankings. Approximate medal ratios are 1/12 Gold, 2/12 Silver, and 3/12 Bronze (subject to confirmation). There are no bonus points for first solves or particularly clever solutions. Ties are broken by the sum of last point-increase times per day.
Is AI usage allowed during the competition?
On Day 1 (AI4CTF), contestants access AI models through a competition-provided API gateway with token limits — testing human-AI collaboration skills. Personal AI tools and external AI access are prohibited. On Day 2 (CTF4AI), contestants interact with AI systems as part of the challenges themselves. All AI usage is monitored and logged. Unauthorised access will be investigated and may result in disqualification. There are no restrictions on AI use during preparation before the contest.
What is the registration fee?
Early Bird (Jan 15 - Mar 19): Team EUR 1,900, Observer EUR 1,600. Standard (Mar 20 - Apr 10): Team EUR 2,300, Observer EUR 1,700. Late (Apr 11 - May 1): Team EUR 2,600, Observer EUR 1,800. Fees include accommodation, meals, excursions, and all event materials.
Is airport transfer provided?
Airport transfers between Sydney Airport (SYD) and official hotels are planned to be provided on designated arrival (June 27) and departure (July 2) days. If you arrive outside these times, you can take the Metro or taxi to the venue area.
What language is used during ICOA?
English is the primary working language of ICOA 2026. All competition materials, instructions, and communications will be in English. Team leaders may translate for their contestants during non-competition activities.
How can my country participate for the first time?
New countries are welcome! Contact us through the registration form to express interest. We'll help you understand the process of establishing a national ICOA organization or connecting with existing regional coordinators. First-time participating countries receive additional support.
Can observers or family members attend?
Yes, observers can register with an Observer Pass which includes accommodation, meals, and access to non-competition events (opening ceremony, closing ceremony, excursions). Observers cannot access competition areas during active challenges.