Applications open for Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026 (Vietnam)

Deadline: 02-Aug-2026

The U.S. Mission Vietnam’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has launched the Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026 funding opportunity, offering grants or cooperative agreements of up to USD 35,000 to organizations that will implement a cybersecurity hackathon in Vietnam. The initiative aims to equip Vietnamese students and young professionals aged 18–30 with cybersecurity knowledge, emerging technology skills, and practical solutions to combat cyber-enabled scams and trafficking across Southeast Asia.

Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026

The Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026 is a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Mission Vietnam designed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, encourage innovation, and promote regional cooperation in addressing cyber-enabled crime.

The program supports organizations that can design and deliver a hackathon where participants learn about cybersecurity challenges, develop innovative technology solutions, and strengthen practical skills in emerging American technologies while addressing cyber scams and human trafficking in Southeast Asia.

The initiative also reinforces cooperation between the United States and Vietnam in advancing cybersecurity, innovation, and regional security.

Program Overview

Program Name: Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026

Funding Agency: U.S. Mission Vietnam – Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)

Funding Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement

Maximum Funding: Up to USD 35,000

Program Location: Vietnam

Target Participants: Vietnamese students and early-career professionals aged 18–30

Primary Theme: Cybersecurity, cyber scam prevention, innovation, and anti-trafficking solutions

Program Objectives

The Cyber Safe Hackathon aims to:

• Combat cyber-enabled scams across Southeast Asia.
• Address technology-enabled trafficking challenges.
• Build cybersecurity awareness among young people.
• Develop practical cybersecurity skills.
• Encourage innovation through hackathon-based learning.
• Promote the responsible use of emerging technologies.
• Strengthen U.S.-Vietnam cooperation.
• Support regional peace, security, and prosperity.
• Showcase American leadership in technology and innovation.
• Expand opportunities for collaboration with American businesses.

Program Focus Areas

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following areas:

• Cybersecurity awareness.
• Cyber-enabled scams.
• Human trafficking prevention.
• Digital safety.
• Emerging American technologies.
• Innovation and technology development.
• Secure digital solutions.
• Legal and ethical technology practices.
• Regional security.
• Transnational crime prevention.
• U.S.-Vietnam cooperation.

Why This Program Matters

Cyber-enabled scams and online trafficking networks continue to pose significant threats across Southeast Asia. Young people often become both targets and future defenders in the digital environment.

The Cyber Safe Hackathon provides participants with practical learning experiences that combine cybersecurity education, technology innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program encourages participants to develop solutions that improve online safety while strengthening regional resilience against cybercrime.

The initiative also supports stronger collaboration between Vietnam and the United States in addressing emerging digital security challenges.

Who Will Benefit?

The funded program is designed to benefit:

• Vietnamese university students.
• Early-career professionals.
• Young innovators.
• Technology enthusiasts.
• Future cybersecurity professionals.
• Emerging entrepreneurs.
• Youth interested in digital innovation.

Participants should generally be between 18 and 30 years of age.

Expected Program Activities

Organizations are expected to design activities such as:

• Cybersecurity workshops.
• Hackathon competitions.
• Technology innovation sessions.
• Team-based solution development.
• Expert mentoring.
• Skills training.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Presentations and demonstrations.
• Collaborative problem-solving exercises.

Activities should provide participants with practical experience in addressing cybersecurity and cybercrime challenges.

Expected Outcomes

The Cyber Safe Hackathon seeks to achieve outcomes including:

• Increased cybersecurity awareness.
• Improved digital literacy.
• Enhanced knowledge of cyber-enabled scams.
• Greater understanding of trafficking-related cyber threats.
• Innovative and legally compliant technology solutions.
• Stronger cybersecurity skills among participants.
• Increased collaboration between U.S. and Vietnamese stakeholders.
• Promotion of American innovation and technology leadership.

Funding Details

Successful applicants may receive:

• Grant or Cooperative Agreement funding of up to USD 35,000

Funding supports the implementation of the Cyber Safe Hackathon and related educational and engagement activities in Vietnam.

Who Can Apply?

The funding opportunity invites eligible organizations capable of designing and implementing the Cyber Safe Hackathon program.

Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to:

• Organize educational technology events.
• Manage cybersecurity training activities.
• Coordinate hackathons or innovation programs.
• Work with youth participants.
• Deliver projects in Vietnam.
• Successfully administer grant-funded initiatives.

Eligible Project Characteristics

Competitive proposals should:

• Focus on cybersecurity education.
• Address cyber scams and trafficking.
• Encourage innovation.
• Promote legally compliant technology solutions.
• Build practical participant skills.
• Support regional security objectives.
• Strengthen U.S.-Vietnam partnerships.
• Demonstrate measurable impact.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Organizations selected for funding will have the opportunity to:

• Lead a nationally significant cybersecurity initiative.
• Build cybersecurity capacity among young people.
• Promote responsible innovation.
• Strengthen international collaboration.
• Contribute to regional cyber resilience.
• Develop future cybersecurity leaders in Vietnam.

How the Program Works

Selected organizations will organize a Cyber Safe Hackathon where participants receive training, collaborate in teams, and develop innovative solutions to cybersecurity and trafficking-related challenges.

Throughout the program, participants will strengthen their understanding of cyber threats, explore emerging technologies, and design practical solutions that are secure, innovative, and legally compliant.

How to Apply

Organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review all eligibility and funding requirements.
2. Develop a comprehensive Cyber Safe Hackathon implementation plan.
3. Design activities that strengthen cybersecurity knowledge and innovation.
4. Demonstrate organizational experience in youth engagement, technology, or cybersecurity programming.
5. Prepare a detailed project proposal and budget.
6. Explain how the program will contribute to cybersecurity awareness and regional cooperation.
7. Submit the complete proposal according to the U.S. Mission Vietnam application guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To improve competitiveness:

• Clearly define project objectives.
• Demonstrate experience delivering similar programs.
• Include measurable outcomes.
• Design engaging, hands-on learning activities.
• Highlight partnerships with universities or technology communities.
• Show how participants will develop practical cybersecurity skills.
• Present a realistic implementation timeline and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common proposal errors:

• Providing vague program objectives.
• Failing to explain participant engagement methods.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Overlooking cybersecurity or legal compliance aspects.
• Not demonstrating organizational capacity.
• Ignoring monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Missing required application documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026?

It is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Mission Vietnam to support organizations implementing a cybersecurity hackathon that helps young people combat cyber-enabled scams and trafficking.

How much funding is available?

Organizations may apply for grant or cooperative agreement funding of up to USD 35,000.

Who are the intended participants?

The program targets Vietnamese students and early-career professionals aged 18–30.

What topics should the hackathon address?

Projects should focus on cybersecurity, cyber scams, trafficking prevention, emerging technologies, innovation, digital safety, and legally compliant technology solutions.

Who can apply for funding?

Organizations capable of implementing the Cyber Safe Hackathon in Vietnam and managing grant-funded educational initiatives are encouraged to apply.

What outcomes does the program seek?

The initiative aims to improve cybersecurity awareness, strengthen practical digital skills, encourage innovation, combat cyber-enabled crime, and reinforce U.S.-Vietnam cooperation.

Why is this initiative important?

Cyber-enabled scams and trafficking are growing regional challenges. The program equips young innovators with the knowledge, technical skills, and collaborative experience needed to develop solutions that improve digital safety and regional security.

Conclusion

The Cyber Safe Hackathon 2026 offers organizations in Vietnam an opportunity to implement a high-impact cybersecurity education initiative with funding of up to USD 35,000. By empowering young people with practical cybersecurity skills, encouraging innovative problem-solving, and fostering collaboration between the United States and Vietnam, the program contributes to stronger digital resilience, regional security, and the fight against cyber-enabled scams and trafficking across Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam.