Overview

• What is the OT Cybersecurity Hackathon?

The OT Cybersecurity Hackathon is an industry-wide competition, convening professionals and students from around the world to collaborate in solving real-world OT cybersecurity challenges that strengthen critical infrastructure resilience.

• Who is organizing the Hackathon?

The event is led by the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OTC-CoE), in collaboration with Aramco.

• What are the objectives of the Hackathon?

The Hackathon aims to bring students and industry professionals together to develop solutions to real-world cybersecurity challenges affecting the OT systems that control and operate critical infrastructure. By advancing innovative approaches to risk mitigation, technical validation, regulatory compliance, and governance, the Hackathon aims to develop the specialist skills required to strengthen OT cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience.

 

Challenge Tracks and Format

• What are the four challenge tracks?

The four tracks are Reconnaissance in OT, Security Monitoring of Operations Data, Change Detection Constraints, and Securing Legacy Systems, each addressing a key challenge affecting OT environments today.

• Can participants choose their preferred challenge track?

Teams will have the opportunity to rank their preferred challenge tracks after the challenge briefing on day 1. Final assignments will be made by the organizers based on team preferences and ensuring a balanced distribution of teams across the four tracks.

• What are participants expected to develop during the Hackathon?

Teams are expected to develop practical solutions, proposals, and prototypes that address their assigned challenge and contribute to strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure. Solutions are presented to a judging panel of cybersecurity industry leaders.

• What mentorship and technical support will be available?

Participants will have access to mentorship from specialized advisors throughout the event, alongside on-site technical and organizational support.

• How will the four-day Hackathon be structured?

Day one kicks off with an introduction and overview, followed by challenge workshops; day two focuses on ideation and mentor sessions, day three on final submissions and presentation to the jury, and winners and awards will be announced on day four. Each day includes a one-hour lunch and networking break.

• What are the requirements for the final submission?

Participants will be provided with a link during the event to upload their presentation and digital poster prior to the day 3 submission deadline.

 

Eligibility and Registration

• Who is eligible to participate?

Students and professionals in cybersecurity, operational technology, and related fields, including operators, vendors, consultancies, startups, and academic institutions. Participants can register as individuals or teams – not as organizations.

• Is the Hackathon open to participants from all countries?

The Hackathon is open to participants from all countries. All participants must attend on-site at Dhahran Techno Valley, and are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements.

• When is the application deadline?

Online applications close on 23 August.

• Is my participation guaranteed?

Applying for the Hackathon does not guarantee participation. Applications are reviewed against the eligibility requirements, and places are limited to approximately 200 participants. Registration is confirmed only upon receiving an acceptance email.

• When will applicants be notified if they have been selected?

Applications are reviewed on a daily basis, and applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application has been reviewed and approved.

• Is there a maximum or minimum team size?

Teams must consist of exactly five members. Those with fewer than five may register individually and will be assigned to a team.

• Do participants need specific prior experience in OT cybersecurity?

Prior OT experience is welcome but not mandatory. Participants can indicate their skills and experience levels during registration, which helps form balanced teams combining different areas of expertise.

• Can I register individually, or do I need to register as part of a team?

Both options are available. Individual registrants are assigned to teams upon arrival.

• Can team members come from different organizations or professional backgrounds?

Mixed teams are welcome and encouraged, as diverse expertise strengthens the quality of solutions.

• How will individual participants be assigned to teams?

Team allocation is based on the skills and experience levels outlined during registration, to ensure each team has a balanced mix of technical, analytical, and presentation capabilities. Assignments are confirmed upon arrival.

• Is there a registration fee?

Registration and participation are free of charge.

 

Judging and Prizes

• How will submissions be evaluated?

The judging panel will evaluate all submissions according to established criteria, with consideration given to the relevance, innovation, practicality, and potential impact of the proposed solution.

• Who will judge the submissions?

A panel of cybersecurity industry leaders and specialized experts from the Center's partner organizations will evaluate all submissions.

• When and how will the winners be announced?

An awards ceremony will be held on day four, when the winning teams will be presented with their awards.

• How will the SAR 200,000 prize pool be awarded?

SAR 40,000 will be awarded to three winning teams, with the overall winning team receiving a total of SAR 80,000.

 

Participation and Next Steps

• Will accommodation or transportation be provided for participants?

Travel, accommodation, and local transportation are at the participant's own expense.

• Will meals and refreshments be provided?

Coffee breaks and lunch will be provided daily at the venue on each of the four days.

• What should participants bring to the Hackathon?

Participants should bring a laptop suitable for working on their Hackathon solution, along with any software or tools they expect to use. They should also bring a valid ID for venue access and their registration confirmation email. Wi-Fi will be available throughout the venue.

• Who can I contact for further information?

For questions or inquiries, please email ot-coe@gcforum.org

• How can I stay updated?

Please visit our website gcforum.org and follow us on social media for the latest updates: @gcfriyadh