iSAFE Hackathon

The iSAFE Hackathon, part of the Global iSAFE initiative, is a global hybrid competition focused on innovating trustworthy generative AI to ensure safer online environments. This event, held at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, is designed to address emerging threats in cyberspace while promoting digital trust and internet safety. Participants from diverse backgrounds—including students, researchers, innovators, developers, and early-stage entrepreneurs—will collaborate to create practical solutions that enhance internet security and ethical AI deployment. The hackathon is structured as a competition culminating in virtual presentations and a final showcase at the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026.The iSAFE Hackathon emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, empowering participants—especially youth—from underserved communities to develop solutions that bridge safety and trust gaps in the digital economy. It aims to cultivate a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can flourish. Participants will tackle core challenge areas such as combating misinformation, protecting users, and promoting digital civility. In addition to the competition, the event offers opportunities for grants, cloud credits, incubation, and CyberPeace pilots to support the development of impactful projects. The finalists will have the unique chance to pitch their solutions to a jury and showcase their work during the WSIS Forum, connecting with industry leaders and potential investors.Key components of the hackathon include creating open-source projects that utilize generative AI to combat issues like deepfakes and automated disinformation. Each project will be assessed on its innovative approach, technical execution, and the potential impact on enhancing cybersecurity. Participants are encouraged to provide comprehensive documentation of their solutions, including a demo video, project architecture, and supplementary materials to facilitate understanding and usage by others. Cash prizes, cloud credits, and incubation support will be awarded to top-performing teams, further incentivizing innovation in the field of AI safety.The event will also foster discussions on responsible AI governance, emphasizing the need for ethical AI design and practical safety mechanisms in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By promoting an inclusive and secure digital space, the iSAFE Hackathon aligns with the Global Digital Compact's goals to close digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The hackathon serves not only as a competition but also as a talent pipeline and collaboration engine, shaping the future of cybersecurity in an era where AI capabilities present both opportunities and challenges for society.