European Cybersecurity Hackathon 2025 – Budapest, CyberIslands 

Organised by the Ludovika University of Public Service (NKE) and IVSZ | Supported by DIGITALEUROPE and CyberHubs

From 17 to 19 October 2025, Budapest became the European capital of cybersecurity innovation. 

The European Cybersecurity Hackathon 2025, hosted at the CyberIslands campus, brought together 75 participants from 17 countries, forming 11 diverse teams, mentored and evaluated by leading experts and judges from across Europe. 

Over three days of intense teamwork and creativity, participants tackled six real-world cybersecurity challenges, ranging from AI-driven threat detection and crisis communication tools to cyber-skills forecasting and smart-city incident simulators. 

The atmosphere was vibrant and collaborative, filled with brainstorming, visual design, coding marathons, and live mentoring sessions. 

Under the guidance of experienced mentors and an international jury, each team prepared: 

• a one-page business concept, 

• a Business Model Canvas, and 

• a final pitch presentation demonstrating both technical innovation and entrepreneurial potential.

The closing day showcased a true spirit of innovation. The Bobókocka team and the KTU Home Academics team impressed the judges with their clarity, technical maturity, and visionary ideas, earning the top awards of the event. 
Yet, every participant left as a winner: they gained valuable experience, mentorship, and new friendships across Europe’s cybersecurity community. 

Approximately 35 participants attended on-site, while others joined online, reflecting the inclusive, hybrid format of the event and the spirit of Digital Europe’s connected innovation ecosystem. 

Péter Balogh, Co-director of the Organizing Committee, NKE, remarked: “It was inspiring to see so many young innovators turn cybersecurity challenges into tangible ideas. These are the next-generation defenders of Europe’s digital future.” 

The organisers express heartfelt thanks to all mentors, jury members, and supporters, and to DIGITALEUROPE and to the CyberHubs project for enabling this dynamic international collaboration.