18 MARCH 2026
A message from ASRA and ICO Foundation Inc. to all participating countries, partners, and students.
1. ACKNOWLEDGING THE FOUNDERS
ASRA and ICO Foundation Inc. proudly acknowledge the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Professor Tan Sun Teck as the undeniable founders of the inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO 2025).
Their pioneering vision established the foundation of global youth cybersecurity education — a legacy we deeply respect and will forever uphold.
ICO 2025 Competition — Students from 25 countries competing in cybersecurity
ICO 2025 Closing Ceremony — Handing Over to Next Host: Australia
2. THE LEGAL CONTINUITY OF ICO 2026
In strict accordance with the democratic vote of the General Assembly (GA) at the ICO 2025 closing ceremony, Australia was confirmed as the Host Country for ICO 2026.
ICO 2026 Sydney will proceed under the established legal and financial protections of Australian law, with ICO Foundation Inc. (INC2600312) as the registered host entity.
3. A PROPOSED PATH FORWARD
To peacefully resolve recent administrative differences and ensure students are not caught in disputes, ASRA has formally submitted a constructive Soft Fork (Path Forward) proposal to SIMCC and the founders.
This framework respects the Classic CTF tradition while allowing Sydney to independently pioneer the world's first CTF4AI (AI Security) competition.
As a gesture of absolute goodwill, all previous dispute-related evidence on this site has been voluntarily archived. We consider the dispute closed and our focus is 100% on the students.
4. WE WELCOME YOU TO SYDNEY
ICO 2026 Sydney is real, legal, and ready.
40+ nations are registered. The venue is confirmed. The government is behind us. The legal foundation is built.
We invite every nation — and every student passionate about cybersecurity and AI security — to be part of this historic milestone.
Register Now → Contact UsSydney welcomes you.