The project holds special significance as it was the first CTF competition ever organized at FOI. The entire initiative was conceived and carried out by students through the activities of the Dev Club, with the support of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, the Center for Student Support and Career Development, the Center for International Cooperation, and the Varaždin Student Center (SCV).
The project brought together both local and international students. Alongside FOI students, participants also included students from France and Austria, giving the event a strong international dimension and further contributing to the connection of students from different educational and cultural backgrounds.
The project’s organizing team consisted of Dev Club FOI members: Luka Ružić, Ivan Lalić, Jura Džida, Petra Knežević, and Anja Peharda.
Throughout the three-day program, students had the opportunity to participate in expert lectures and workshops covering modern security challenges, API security, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, and the practical application of security tools and methodologies. The lectures were delivered by industry professionals and international speakers Kwadjo Nyante, Vlatko Košturjak, and Emre Esirik, providing participants with insight into real-world challenges and trends in today’s IT and cybersecurity sectors.
The central part of the project was the CTF competition held at the Student Club of the Varaždin Student Dormitory, where a total of 9 teams composed of FOI and international students competed. The competition was based on solving practical security challenges on a specially prepared platform, allowing students to develop technical, analytical, and communication skills through teamwork.
The most successful teams in the competition were:
- 1st place: Matija Volarić, David Sedlan, Ivan Turčinov, and Ivan Boščić
- 2nd place: Ilias Aklaf, Jaasin M.M.P., Borna Bojkić, and Benjamin Nujić
- 3rd place: Lana Kelić, Karlo Svetec, Fernando Perak, and Marin Rameša
International WebSec Initiative 2026 demonstrated how much student initiatives can contribute to the development of the academic community, practical education, and international cooperation. The project not only enabled students to gain concrete knowledge and experience in the field of cybersecurity, but also further strengthened the connection between students, the Faculty, and the industry, while highlighting the importance of informal learning and student engagement.
Projects like this represent an important contribution to the development of young people’s digital competencies and the creation of an active and connected student community. The successful implementation of the first FOI CTF competition also opens the door for the future development of similar initiatives and the continuation of international cooperation in the years ahead.
The project was funded by the Varaždin Student Center through the collected fee amounting to 0.5% of the net compensation paid to student workers.
Congratulations to the winners and the organizers!
