International Hackathon on Cryptography and Mathematical Security

International Hackathon on Cryptography and Mathematical Security

Date: September 19–21, 2026
Mode: Online
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Mastering Up
Organized by: Mastering Up

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Cryptography and Mathematical Security 2026 is a global platform designed to foster innovation in secure communication, encryption technologies, and privacy-preserving computation. With the growing complexity of cyber threats and the advent of quantum computing, the need for advanced mathematical frameworks to secure data and systems has never been greater.

This event brings together mathematicians, cryptographers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and developers to co-create next-generation solutions for information security. The hackathon encourages participants to explore classical and post-quantum cryptography, blockchain applications, secure protocols, and mathematical approaches to privacy and integrity.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Post-Quantum Cryptography

Problem: Traditional encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC are vulnerable to quantum attacks.
Expected Solution: Develop or optimize quantum-resistant encryption algorithms using lattice-based, hash-based, or multivariate polynomial cryptography.

Track 2: Secure Blockchain Protocols

Problem: Blockchain systems face privacy, scalability, and integrity challenges.
Expected Solution: Create cryptographic frameworks for secure, efficient blockchain consensus mechanisms and privacy-preserving smart contracts.

Track 3: Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning

Problem: Sharing sensitive data for AI training raises security and compliance concerns.
Expected Solution: Build cryptographic models enabling federated learning, homomorphic encryption, or differential privacy in distributed AI systems.

Track 4: Zero-Knowledge Proof Applications

Problem: Users need to prove authenticity without revealing private information.
Expected Solution: Implement zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) systems for secure authentication, blockchain validation, or digital identity verification.

Track 5: Cryptanalysis and Algorithm Testing

Problem: Many existing cryptographic algorithms have unknown vulnerabilities.
Expected Solution: Develop automated cryptanalysis tools to test, evaluate, and strengthen encryption methods through mathematical validation and attack simulations.

Track 6: Cybersecurity for IoT Devices

Problem: IoT devices are prone to data leaks and unauthorized access due to weak cryptographic layers.
Expected Solution: Design lightweight encryption and key management systems suitable for low-power IoT architectures.

Track 7: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Simulation

Problem: Quantum communication systems are still in the experimental stage.
Expected Solution: Build simulations or prototype models demonstrating the efficiency and security of QKD protocols using mathematical proofs or virtual environments.

Track 8: Secure Voting and E-Governance Systems

Problem: Online voting and digital governance platforms face challenges in maintaining voter privacy and data authenticity.
Expected Solution: Develop end-to-end verifiable cryptographic systems ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and auditability of e-governance or e-voting systems.

Track 9: Cryptography in Cloud Security

Problem: Cloud data storage and computation expose user data to potential breaches.
Expected Solution: Create encryption frameworks supporting secure data-at-rest and data-in-use, leveraging homomorphic encryption or secure multiparty computation.

Track 10: Student Innovation Challenge

Theme: Open category for students to propose novel cryptographic or mathematical security solutions addressing modern-day digital threats, privacy, or information integrity.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

• Team Size: 2–4 members

• Eligibility: Open to university students, professionals, and researchers from all technical or mathematical disciplines.

• Code of Conduct:

  • Maintain professional ethics and team spirit.

  • Ensure originality of all submissions (no plagiarism or reused projects).

  • Respect intellectual property and data privacy laws.

  • Follow the guidelines and timelines shared by the organizing team.

5] Evaluation Criteria

6] Prizes & Recognition

• Top 10 Winning Teams:
  Receive USD 1000 worth of vouchers under the “Idea to Startup Scheme” by SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Teams:
  Ideas will be recommended for seed funding to the following leading companies and research institutions:

  1. IBM Research – Cryptography Division

  2. Google Quantum AI Lab

  3. Microsoft Research – Security & Cryptography Group

  4. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

  5. European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

• Certificates: All participants receive E-certificates of participation.

• Special Awards: Innovation Awards during MU International Awards 2026 Series.

• Showcase Opportunity: Winning teams can present at the MU International Conference on Cybersecurity, Mathematics, and Information Systems.

• Publication: Selected ideas will be abstracted in the MU International Journal.

7] Registration Section

• Indian Team (4 Members): ₹499
  👉 Register Here (Indian Teams)

• International Team (4 Members): USD 50
  👉 Register Here (International Teams)

📅 Deadline for Registration: September 12, 2026

8] Contact Information

📧 Email: contact@masteringup.com
🌐 Website: www.masteringup.com/events