Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Geneva

Hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)

For 11 years, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) has been hosting the Geneva leg of the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, a unique competition designed to provide students from a range of academic disciplines in the world’s top universities with a deeper understanding of the policy challenges associated with cyber crisis and conflict. To date, the Geneva Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge has engaged thousands of students from a diverse range of countries and universities in Europe, Africa, North and South America and beyond. Building on its renowned experience in training the next generations of young leaders, policymakers, diplomats and international security experts, the GCSP, through the competition, seeks to bring together in an inclusive environment a global community of actors to tackle the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.

 

cyber 9/12 logo

Shaping the Future of Cyber Policy Leadership

The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Geneva is a unique competition designed to train and inspire the next generation of cyber policymakers. Unlike traditional cyber competitions, Cyber 9/12 focuses on strategic decision-making in the face of a fast-moving, complex cyber crisis.

Now entering its 12th edition at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Challenge invites students from diverse academic backgrounds—international relations, law, cybersecurity, political science, business, and more—to confront realistic international cyber incidents and deliver actionable, strategic policy recommendations.

The Geneva Challenge is part of the prestigious global Cyber 9/12 series, originally created by the Atlantic Council, and now reaching students across the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

How the Competition Works

Over two high-intensity days, multidisciplinary student teams (3–4 members each) navigate a simulated cyber crisis scenario that evolves with each round.
Teams must:

  • Analyse risks and threats to national and international security, the economy, and civil society.
  • Develop policy options balancing security, human rights, economic interests, and diplomatic considerations.
  • Brief a panel of senior experts and decision-makers.
  • Adapt quickly as the crisis escalates and new information becomes available.

Each round challenges students’ strategic thinking, communication skills, and ability to collaborate under pressure.

Why Participate?

  • Practical Experience: Navigate real-world cyber crisis scenarios.
  • Mentorship: Receive direct feedback from cybersecurity, diplomacy, and strategy experts.
  • Networking: Connect with peers, industry leaders, government officials, and international organizations.
  • Career Development: Gain skills in policy writing, public speaking, and strategic analysis.
  • Recognition: Compete for awards judged by a prestigious panel of experts.

Opportunities for Partners and Sponsors

Partner with us to help shape the next generation of cybersecurity leaders!
By supporting the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Geneva, you will:

  • Engage with emerging talent in cybersecurity, policy, and international relations.
  • Position your organization as a leader in supporting global cyber resilience and education.
  • Gain visibility among future professionals, experts, and policymakers from Europe and beyond.
  • Showcase your commitment to responsible innovation and global security.
  • Participate in mentoring, judging, or speaking opportunities during the event.

We offer tailored sponsorship packages, including branding, speaking engagements, recruitment opportunities, and more.

Interested in partnering with us?
Please contact [email protected] for more information on sponsorship options.

Who Should Apply?

We invite applications from undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from across Europe and internationally.
We welcome diverse academic profiles, including but not limited to:

  • International Affairs
  • Cybersecurity
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Computer Science
  • Business and Management
  • Public Policy

No prior technical expertise is required—this is a policy and strategy competition focused on decision-making under pressure.

Key Dates

  • Team Applications Open: TBD
  • Application Deadline: TBD
  • Competition Dates: TBD

Application Information

Applications will open soon.
Teams of 3–4 students must submit a short application form [link to form once available].

For more information or to pre-register your interest, contact: [email protected] 

Explore More

Find detailed information on eligibility, team composition, presentation formats, and judging criteria.

Review past Cyber 9/12 Geneva scenarios and policy briefs to better understand the type of crises you’ll encounter.

Get familiar with how judges evaluate your strategic analysis, creativity, clarity, and policy recommendations.

About the GCSP

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) is a globally recognized centre of excellence promoting peace, security, and international cooperation. Our executive education, dialogue platforms, and policy research advance collective solutions to today's most pressing security challenges.

By hosting the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Geneva, we are proud to empower the cyber policymakers of tomorrow.