The 24-hour event brought together cybersecurity professionals and students who competed against each other by detecting vulnerabilities, analyzing viruses and malicious programs, and solving contemporary cybersecurity issues. More than 56 teams, comprising over 250 participants, solved complex practical tasks related to the security and vulnerabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. The main objectives of the event were to discover new talent, develop participants’ analytical thinking and rapid response skills, and strengthen the professional potential of the sector.
Following a competitive and intense 24-hour battle, the top teams, who demonstrated exceptional skills and innovative approaches, were determined: The “AIN” team took first place, having captured the most flags. The “HIGH5” and “LAPS” teams secured the 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. The winning teams received awards from the event’s prize sponsors, IDBank and Idram. In addition, several other participating teams received surprise gifts from IDBank and Idram, Amio Bank, and the Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia.
Mari Barseghyan, Manager of the “CyHub – Armenia” Cybersecurity Initiative by Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) and Director of the Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia, commented that this year’s “AI APOCALYPSE” theme underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence. “The continuous development of practical skills for cybersecurity representatives, as well as increasing interest in the field, is one of the key directions of EIF’s ‘CyHub- Armenia’ initiative. For this purpose, we have organized the CTF competition for the sixth consecutive year. It has become an essential platform where teams learn through real-world tactics. Specifically, the ‘AI APOCALYPSE’ theme clearly showed that AI challenges are already an inseparable part of our reality, and the success of the competition proved that Armenia has a strong cyber generation with extensive opportunities and potential for development. We also thank our partners for their support. It is encouraging to see such a collaborative approach to the development of the sector.” said Ms. Barseghyan.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical challenge- it’s a strategic imperative fully transversal for all digital transformation initiatives, especially as AI systems become more embedded in our daily lives. By supporting this competition, EU4Innovation East is proud to help cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity talent in Armenia. Besides technical brilliance, these 24 hours showcased the agility, collaboration, and critical thinking that are crucial to stay ahead of emerging threats,” mentioned Julien Schmitt, Project Director of EU4Innovation East.
“At Ucom, we are confident that cybersecurity is the foundation of any modern technological ecosystem. The rapid development of artificial intelligence makes it even more crucial. This is exactly why such initiatives must be continuous, they create an environment where young specialists gain real-world experience and confidence. We believe that professionals equipped with these skills are the ones who ensure the country’s digital advancement,” said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.
The event is organized by the Enterprise Incubator Foundation within its CyHub Armenia cybersecurity initiative and in cooperation with the Engineering City program, with support from the EU4Innovation East project, funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government and implemented by Expertise France.
The event partners are the Central Bank of Armenia, illuria and the Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia.
The event is supported by IDBank and Idram as the prize sponsors, by Amio bank as the Platinum sponsor, and by Ucom as the strategic technological partner.
