IssueHunt to Host Student Cybersecurity Conference "P3NFEST" in March 2026 ― Supporting students with travel expenses; seeking companies for the Bug Bounty Program ―

IssueHunt Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazumasa Yokomizo), operator of the bug bounty platform "IssueHunt," announced on December 8 that it will hold the 4th "P3NFEST," a cybersecurity conference for students, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Amidst the critical shortage of security talent, this event aims to help students feel closer to a career in this field. For this iteration, the participation quota—previously limited to students—has been expanded to include a lottery-based slot for general attendees.

■ Lectures by Distinguished Speakers and Hands-on Workshops

"P3NFEST" is scheduled to feature lectures by renowned security engineers and hands-on workshops, such as an introduction to vulnerability assessment.

To strongly back the next generation of talent, a system is in place to provide a fixed amount of travel expenses for students participating in person. The event is planned to take place in Shibuya, and speaker information will be released in early February 2026.

■ Concurrent U25 Bug Bounty Event

In conjunction with the conference, a bug bounty event open to participants under the age of 25 will be held from February 16 to March 31, 2026.

Participants will perform vulnerability assessments on products provided by participating companies, and prizes will be awarded to those who discover issues. IssueHunt is currently recruiting companies to provide programs and sponsor the event.

■ About the ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Start-up Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided as a grant. Additionally, through hands-on support, the evaluation committee members involved in the selection process continue to stand by the league members after selection to promote their growth. For companies evaluated as "must-selects" by the committee, a support structure akin to "fandom" is established, where the evaluators themselves provide continuous advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to facilitate the business growth of league members.
We also aim to discover aspiring entrepreneurs and expand the base of the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Functioning as a positive competitive arena similar to a sports league, startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry while competing to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We collaborate with media to broadcast the initiatives of league members! By making these businesses known to a wider audience, we aim to expand new matching opportunities and chances.

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IssueHunt to Host Student Cybersecurity Conference "P3NFEST" in March 2026 ― Supporting students with travel expenses; seeking companies for the Bug Bounty Program ―

■ Lectures by Distinguished Speakers and Hands-on Workshops

■ Concurrent U25 Bug Bounty Event

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