AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition (Up To €10,000 Prize)

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Munich Security Conference (MSC) and Binding Hook proudly announce the AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition, inviting experts to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on cybersecurity. This competition seeks insightful analyses on the implications for Europe and recommendations for policymakers, with an opportunity for winners to be recognized at an international forum.

At the heart of the AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition is our aim to deepen understanding of AI’s role in cybersecurity. As cyber threats rapidly evolve, AI is at the forefront, shaping the next generation of cyber defenses and bringing new challenges and opportunities.

This competition invites researchers in cybersecurity and AI to put forward their perspectives on this crucial issue. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the consequences for Europe, urging participants to delve into how these technological shifts affect European security and policy.

Winners will not only receive a monetary reward but also have their work published on Binding Hook, Virtual Routes’ platform for technology and security, and be celebrated at the 2025 Munich Security Conference (February 14-16, 2025).

Essay Question

“How will Artificial Intelligence change cybersecurity, and what are the implications for Europe? Discuss potential strategies that policymakers can adopt to navigate these changes.”

AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition Award

The prizes for the top essays are as follows:

1st Place: €10,000
Runner-Up: €5,000
3rd Place: €2,500
4th-5th Places: €1,000

The author of the winning essay will be invited to attend the 2025 Munich Security Conference (February 13-16, 2025), where they will be honored at the award ceremony. This presents a unique opportunity to stand in the global spotlight, engaging with leaders and innovators from various sectors and sharing insights on the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Eligibility Criteria for AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition

The competition is open to experts in cybersecurity and AI from any part of the world. All submissions must be in English.
We only accept single authored submissions.

Main Criteria

Essays will be reviewed by Binding Hook and a review board co-chaired by Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of the Republic of Estonia, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist. It also includes the following experts: Heather Adkins, VP, Security Engineering & Head of Office of Cybersecurity Resilience at Google; Klaus Hommels, founder of Lakestar and Chair of the Board of Directors of the NATO Innovation Fund; Mikko Hyppönen, a security and privacy expert; Maria Markstedter, founder of Azeria Labs; Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament; and Max Smeets, Co-Director of Virtual Routes and Managing Editor of Binding Hook.

Insightfulness: Essays should offer a deep understanding of the role of AI in cybersecurity.
Relevance: Submissions must directly address the implications for Europe and suggest actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Originality: Entries should present unique perspectives or solutions.
Clarity: Arguments must be articulated clearly and persuasively.
Evidence: Submissions should be supported by relevant examples or data.
Length: Essays must be between 800 – 1200 words, excluding footnotes but including hyperlinks for references.