CybSpark Group is proud to announce the resounding success of the inaugural Hack the Isles® Live Final, held at Campbell College Belfast. The competition brought together the best emerging cyber talent from the UK and Ireland, showcasing real-world skills and fostering community.
The event marked the culmination of a multi-stage program involving over 300 participants from Northern Ireland, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It featured regional bootcamps, online qualifiers, and a final held at Campbell College Belfast, where teams demonstrated advanced technical, problem-solving, and resilience skills through immersive cyber scenarios simulating current industry and government challenges.
The competition utilized CybExer Technologies' cyber range platform, providing a secure virtual environment for realistic attack-defense exercises, supported by CybSpark Group, a Belfast-based cybersecurity education provider.
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Participants experienced real-world learning, diverse challenge types, and community building. Beyond the competition itself, participants experienced memorable moments that made Hack the Isles® truly special, forging new international connections in an event designed to foster dedication and team spirit. England emerged overall winners on the day with Wales also featuring in the awards category.
The event was enhanced by distinguished guests, including Estonia’s ambassador to Ireland, Irish officials, and cybersecurity experts, alongside mentors from academia and industry. The event’s success was driven by experienced volunteers and leaders committed to cybersecurity education and talent development.
Richard Coates, Chief Executive Officer, CybSpark Group commented "The Live Final brings together the ambition, collaboration, and technical excellence that Hack the Isles® was designed to foster. Seeing participants from across the five nations apply their skills in a realistic environment demonstrates the strength of emerging talent and the value of hands-on learning. We are proud to lead an initiative that not only challenges competitors but also builds confidence, resilience and pathways into the cyber sector."
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CybSpark aims to expand the program, training over 300 young professionals by 2026, and strengthen pathways from competition to careers through industry partnerships. Future editions will address emerging threats like quantum computing and AI security, while regional bootcamps aim to foster local cyber ecosystems. The initiative underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration to build a resilient digital future across the British Isles.
Richard Coats added "In the world of cybersecurity, teaming up isn't just a good idea — it's absolutely vital. Threats don't stop at borders, so our response can't either. Hack the Isles® shows how we can all work together across the British Isles, developing the talent needed to protect our digital future."
With bootcamps in Belfast, Birmingham, Dundalk, Edinburgh, and Newport, Hack the Isles® is building strong regional cyber ecosystems so talented young people can access world-class opportunities wherever they are.
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