IssueHunt to Host U25-Exclusive Bug Bounty Event "P3NFEST 2026 Spring" ― Discovering and Cultivating Next-Gen Security Talent, Starting Mid-February 2026 ―

On December 8, IssueHunt Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazumasa Yokomizo), operator of the bug bounty platform "IssueHunt," announced that it will host the "P3NFEST Bug Bounty 2026 Spring." This bug bounty event is exclusively for university students and individuals aged 25 and under, running from February 16 to March 31, 2026.

With the shortage of security personnel continuing to be a serious issue, the purpose of this event is to provide Japanese youth with an opportunity to experience security careers firsthand through bug bounties. This marks the seventh iteration of the event.

■ Practical Vulnerability Assessment Challenges with Cash Prizes and Luxury Rewards

Participants can perform vulnerability assessments on actual products specified by participating companies. In addition to cash prizes awarded by companies for discovering vulnerabilities, top performers are scheduled to receive luxury gifts.

Multiple companies will participate as program providers, sharing their knowledge with young engineers. Details regarding the providing companies are scheduled to be released around late January 2026.

■ Recruiting Program Providers

IssueHunt is currently recruiting companies to provide programs for this event. This serves as an opportunity to improve the security of your own products while simultaneously connecting with talented young personnel.

The company commented, "We sincerely look forward to the participation of the young people who will shoulder the future of Japan's cybersecurity."

■ ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of a grant. Additionally, regarding hands-on support, the selection and evaluation committee members involved in choosing league members continue to stay close after selection to promote growth. A support system akin to "fandom" has been established, where committee members who evaluated a company as a "must-select" provide continuous personal support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to encourage business growth for league members.
We also expand the base by discovering individuals aiming to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The league serves as a positive competitive arena similar to a sports league. Startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for co-creation where league members collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection committee members.
4. Dissemination
We will disseminate the initiatives of league members in collaboration with media! By ensuring these businesses are known to many, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.

Column COLUMN

IssueHunt to Host U25-Exclusive Bug Bounty Event "P3NFEST 2026 Spring" ― Discovering and Cultivating Next-Gen Security Talent, Starting Mid-February 2026 ―

■ Practical Vulnerability Assessment Challenges with Cash Prizes and Luxury Rewards

■ Recruiting Program Providers

Other Columns

Column
COLUMN