PakCrypt Intl Symposium 2026

Posted May 29, 2026 Updated May 29, 2026

By Team PakCrypt

3 min read

★ 5th Annual Edition · Est. 2022 ★

PakCrypt 2026

International Cryptography Competition & Symposium

NCCS, Air University, Islamabad · Nov 2026 (tentative)

Registration opens with Pre-Qualifying Round · Sep 2026 (estimated)

1,000+ Expected Participants

13+ Intl Experts (2025)

2 Competition Tracks

4 Days On-Site

Rs. 5.0M Total Prizes

📅 Important Dates

Pre-Qualifying Round Online · Open to all Pakistan

Aug – Sep 2026

Qualifying Round Online · Top performers advance

Oct – Nov 2026

IACR Crypto Winter School iacr.org · Hands-on workshops with world experts

3rd Week Nov 2026

International Cyber Security Symposium Keynotes, panels, research presentations

3rd Week Nov 2026

Final Round — On-Site Competition NCCS, Air University, Islamabad

3rd Week Nov 2026

Networking Dinner for Finalists Celebrating Pakistan's top cryptographers

TBA

Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution Awards, expert sessions, and more

TBA

⚠ Exact dates and venue are being finalised. All events are tentatively scheduled for the 3rd week of November 2026 at NCCS, Air University, E-9, Islamabad. Watch this page for updates.

⚙ How It Works

📄 Sample Problems Available: See what Round 1 and Round 2 look like across both tracks — Download Sample Problem Set (PDF) →

Pre-Qualifying Round

Open online round. Solve cryptography challenges at your own pace over several weeks.

Qualifying Round

Online. Top performers from Round 1 compete in a timed, higher-difficulty challenge set.

Finals Invitation

10–15 finalists per track are invited on-campus. Full sponsorship: travel, food, accommodation.

On-Site Symposium

4-day immersive experience: live competition, IACR Winter School, global expert sessions, and prize ceremony.

🏁 Competition Tracks

🔐

Professional Track

No Age Restriction

Open to all — students, academics, professionals, and independent researchers from across Pakistan. No restrictions apply. If you know cryptography, this track is yours.

🌟

Amateur Track

Born after 01 Dec 2006

For the next generation of cryptographers — participants must be born after 01 December 2006 (i.e., under 20 years of age on 01 December 2026). A dedicated platform for young talent to shine.

🏆 Prizes & Rewards

🥇

1st Place

Rs. 300K

per track

🥈

2nd Place

Rs. 200K

per track

🥉

3rd Place

Rs. 125K

per track

💸 Rs. 40-80K — All Runner-ups

🏛 Rs. 50K — Symposium Fee (all finalists)

🛏 FREE Accommodation — all 4 days

🍽 FREE Meals — full duration

📜 IACR Winter School — FREE registration

🍾 Networking Dinner — all finalists

🎙 Expert Sessions — interactive & hands-on

Prize amounts are expected based on prior years and will be confirmed once finalised. All finalists who qualify and participate on-site receive the full sponsorship package regardless of final placement.

🌐 International Symposium

🔬 In Partnership with IACR · International Association for Cryptologic Research

PakCrypt 2026 runs in parallel with two world-class events: the IACR Cryptography Winter School and the International Cyber Security Symposium. Together they form a singular 4-day experience where Pakistan's top cryptography talent learns directly from global leaders.

In 2025 we hosted 13 international experts — all world-class authorities in cryptography and cybersecurity. In 2026 we are raising the bar further with deeper interactivity and a richer programme.

🎓

IACR Winter School Hands-on workshops with global cryptography researchers — a rare opportunity in Pakistan.

🔒

Cyber Security Symposium Keynotes, panels, and research talks covering the cutting edge of applied security.

💬

Expert Q&A Sessions Direct, interactive access to international speakers — ask the people shaping the field.

🤝

Networking & Community Build lasting connections with peers, academics, and industry professionals across Pakistan.

📖 Past Editions

2025

Intl Symposium + Competition

IACR Winter School · 13 intl experts