Hula Capture the Flag: with Offline AI Cyber Defense Hackathon

Think you can outsmart AI? Join us at Hula for an afternoon and evening of hands-on cybersecurity challenges exploring the evolving world of AI and cyber defense. Compete or spectate, enjoy free pizza, and help train the next generation of defenders. A suggested $30 donation supports a local youth STEM program.

Two different events will be held:

A. Capture the flag speed rounds: grabbing a string or other token from a target environment. Participants can act individually, or form/bring a team.
B. Fort: blue defends, red team(s) offend.
We welcome anyone to come participate or spectate. We recommend some familiarity with using agents, and an interest in experiencing cyber security.

Prize: Winner takes home the glory, a Brio Coffeeworks Gift Certificate, and a 3 month Air Desk Membership at Hula!
When: Nov 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Hula, 50 Lakeside Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

What Participants Need to Know:

Bring a computer you’re comfortable with competitors trying to gain access to. This is a hands-on cybersecurity competition, and your machine may be compromised during gameplay.
A signed waiver is required for all participants. Waivers will be on-hand signed at the start of the event.
Ethernet connection is required. Offline AI will be used. Competition machines will connect via Ethernet, with no general internet access available during the event.
Wi-Fi must be disabled on all competition machines. Any participant found with Wi-Fi enabled will be disqualified.
External research is allowed. You may use a separate computer to search the web, but network bridging between devices is strictly prohibited.
External boot media is recommended to help you prepare your machine for the competition.