10TH MITRE ECTF KICKS OFF

On January 15th, the annual MITRE Embedded Capture the Flag™ (eCTF) competition launched with a bang, kicking off a semester-long showdown where the next generation of cyber experts can flaunt their skills.

This unique MITRE challenges participants to not only craft secure embedded systems but also to put their creations to the test through simulated cyber-attacks. This exercise is more relevant than ever, as the embedded systems tackled during the competition are increasingly found in the everyday devices we all rely on.

MITRE LABS BUILDS CHAMPIONS

Through its powerful partnership with MITRE Labs the annual eCTF competition has experienced a seamless execution. Now in its 10th year, this collaboration has been pivotal for both the commercial sponsorship program and the competition’s success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MITRE Labs team, specifically Dan Walters, Ben Janis, and Jake Grycel, for their invaluable contributions. 

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

The distinct phases of MITRE’s eCTF competition make it particularly impactful:

• Teams first engage in a system development phase.
• Teams then procede to attack each other’s systems.

This process exposes development errors as they are exploited during the attacks. By incorporating gamification principles, the competition creates a unique learning environment where participants play both defense and offense, sparking creativity and rapidly honing strategic thinking and cyber expertise.

Beyond being an entertaining activity that fosters new skills, eCTF offers students both immediate and long-term benefits. Many schools award course credit for participation, and participants often forge connections that enhance their career prospects.

BROAD REACH INTO THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

To further enrich the experience for students, and in line with MITRE’s ongoing focus on workforce development, commercial sponsorships are available to support participation. This initiative opened doors for students to engage with leading companies in embedded systems and cybersecurity.

Since its inception, the eCTF competition has experienced more than 100% year-over-year growth in team participation, with the roster of eCTF participants continuing to expand.

Teams hail from a diverse array of institutions, including universities, high schools, extracurricular programs, and career centers. Moreover, many participants come from countries outside the United States.

A KEY INVESTMENT FROM MASSACHUSETTS

In 2024, the office of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced that $1.5 million (out of a total $9.2 million in CHIPS and Science Act grant funding) would be allocated to four distinct programs and initiatives aimed at expanding student engagement across the northeast region. In 2024, the eCTF received $750,000, and it received an additional $450,000 in 2025, a resounding endorsement of our dedication to building a robust cyber workforce for the future!

WELCOME NEWBIES—AND RETURN COMPETITORS

This year, we are thrilled to welcome a total of 116 institutions to the eCTF2025 competition!

Please welcome these first-timers:

• Mount Si High School
• California State University, Fullerton
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
• Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
• Institut Bisnis dan Teknologi Indonesia
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• University of Central Florida
• Hampton University
• Binghamton University
• The Pennsylvania State University
• Florida A&M University
• Rice University
• Brigham Young University
• Rutgers University
• Southern University and A&M College
• University of South Alabama
• Johnson C. Smith University
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• El Paso Community College
• New Mexico State University
• Colorado State University
• Blacksburg High School
• Louisiana Tech University
  
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Mineola High School
• Mountain View High School
• KL University
• University of Trento
• Chaitanya Engineering College
• Flinders University
• Fairport High School
• Rossview High School
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
• IFAPME
• Istituto di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore Marie Curie
• Willis College
• Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
• Politeknik Kelapa Sawit Citra Widya Edukasi
• HTL Pinkafeld
• Santa Ana College
• SESAME University
• Amherst College
• Smithtown High School West
• Universidad de las Américas Ecuador
• University of Maribor
• SDU University
• New York Institute of Technology
• University of Arkansas
• Middlesex College
• Faculte des sciences Ain Chock
• Tri-City College Prep
• Arizona State University

SPONSORING THE FUTURE

In the face of escalating global strategic competition, roles in electrical engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly crucial. Therefore, fostering interest in and opportunities for our future workforce is vital. This year’s program offers sponsors unique ways to support participating students, providing them with early exposure to potential careers and giving top companies a rare glimpse of talent in action.

We extend our thunderous applause and gratitude to our 2025 eCTF sponsors:

• The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub (NEMC), returning sponsor.
• CrowdStrike, returning sponsor.
• Rolls-Royce, returning sponsor.
• Sysdig, NEW sponsor.
• Fortinet, returning supporter.
• Boston Cybernetics Institute, returning supporter.
• Analog Devices, returning Hardware supporter.

Thank you, sponsors!

.