FIND EVIL!
Global online cybersecurity hackathon by SANS with a $22,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹19.8L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
FIND EVIL! is a global online cybersecurity hackathon organized by SANS, a renowned provider of cybersecurity training and certifications. The competition challenges participants to use their cybersecurity and analytical skills to uncover hidden threats and vulnerabilities. It emphasizes innovative approaches, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, for threat detection and incident response.
The hackathon is designed to be beginner-friendly, welcoming students, cybersecurity professionals, developers, and data scientists from around the world. Participants can compete individually or in teams, with no specific team size required.
The core themes revolve around cybersecurity, with a strong focus on applying machine learning and AI to identify and mitigate digital threats. Participants are encouraged to explore solutions for threat intelligence, anomaly detection, malware analysis, and defensive strategies.
The hackathon runs entirely online from April 15, 2026, to June 15, 2026. During this period, participants develop and submit their solutions. The competition concludes with judging and the announcement of winners.
A substantial cash prize pool of $22,000 (approximately ₹19,80,000) is available for top-performing teams. Specific prize distribution details will be announced by the organizers.
Registration is open until June 15, 2026, via the official Devpost page.
Highlights
- Organized by SANS, a leader in cybersecurity training.
- Cash prize pool of $22,000.
- Beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.
- Focus on ML/AI for threat detection.
- Fully online, runs April 15 to June 15, 2026.
- Themes include anomaly detection, malware analysis, and defensive strategies.
Who can apply
This competition is open globally, including participants from India. It is accessible to students, cybersecurity enthusiasts, developers, and data scientists. There are no age or professional stage restrictions, and no specific team size is mandated. Individuals and teams are welcome.
FIND EVIL! is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for FIND EVIL! closed on 15 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- $22,000 cash prize pool (approximately ₹19,80,000) for top-performing teams.
- Prize distribution details to be announced by organizers.
How to apply
- 1Registration
- 2Project submission
- 3Judging
- 4Decision
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The competition follows a standard hackathon process:
- Registration: Participants sign up via the official Devpost page.
- Project submission: Participants develop and submit their solutions within the hackathon period.
- Judging: Submissions are evaluated based on criteria set by SANS.
- Decision: Winners are announced after judging concludes.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to FIND EVIL!, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
FIND EVIL! is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹19.8L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total prize pool is $22,000 (approximately ₹19,80,000). Specific prize distribution details will be announced by the organizers.
What is the application deadline?
Registration and project submissions are due by June 15, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open globally to students, cybersecurity professionals, developers, and data scientists. There are no age or professional stage restrictions. Participants can join individually or in teams of any size.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required to participate in this hackathon.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with a cash prize pool. No equity is taken from participants.
What documents are needed to apply?
No specific documents are mentioned. Participants simply need to register and submit their project through the Devpost platform.
How do I apply?
You can register and submit your project via the official Devpost page at https://findevil.devpost.com/.
Is the hackathon beginner-friendly?
Yes, the hackathon is tagged as 'Beginner Friendly' and encourages both newcomers and experts to participate.
What are the themes of the hackathon?
The core themes are cybersecurity with a focus on machine learning and AI for threat detection, including anomaly detection, malware analysis, and defensive strategies.
Alternatives to FIND EVIL!
Not sure FIND EVIL! is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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