IssueHunt Announces Program Providers for U25 Bug Bounty "P3NFEST" ― Starting February 16, 2026, with 9 Participating Companies Including Nikkei and HENNGE ―

IssueHunt Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazumasa Yokomizo), a provider of bug bounty platforms and other security services, announced on January 23 the selection of program-providing companies for "P3NFEST Bug Bounty 2026 Spring," a bug bounty event exclusively for university students and individuals aged 25 and under.

The event will be held from February 16 to March 31, 2026. During this period, participants will conduct vulnerability assessments on specific products designated by the providing companies and will be eligible to receive prize money if vulnerabilities are discovered.

■ A Gateway for Young White Hat Hackers: Prestigious Companies Join In

A total of nine companies will participate as program providers for this event: HENNGE K.K., Nikkei Inc., Nulab Inc., GMW Inc., ENECHANGE Ltd., Helpfeel Inc., Finatext Holdings Ltd., Soracom Inc., and Synchro Food Co., Ltd. (in no particular order).

Participation is limited to students currently enrolled in universities or graduate schools, as well as working professionals aged 25 or younger. The event is highly anticipated as a venue for cultivating the next generation of security talent. Prizes are also scheduled to be awarded to top performers.

■ Aiming to Become the "Baseline" of the Security Industry

With the mission "Let's create. Markets. Precedents.", IssueHunt operates services such as "IssueHunt One," which integrates bug bounties, vulnerability assessment, and DevSecOps.

Through this event, the company aims to provide practical opportunities for young talent while contributing to the strengthening of corporate security measures and the revitalization of the industry as a whole.

■ About the ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Embryonic Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding & Accompaniment Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided in the form of grants. Additionally, in the accompaniment support, selection and evaluation committee members who were involved in choosing the league members will continue to work closely with them after selection to promote growth. For companies that committee members rated as "must-select," a support system akin to "fandom" culture (Oshi-katsu) is established, where the evaluators themselves provide ongoing support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
We provide venues for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
We also expand the base by discovering those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The league serves as a venue for positive competition, much like a sports league. It is a mechanism where startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry to win the funding they truly need (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide opportunities for co-creation, where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities such as sessions with selection and evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We will disseminate the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By letting more people know about their businesses, we aim to expand the field for new matching and opportunities.

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IssueHunt Announces Program Providers for U25 Bug Bounty "P3NFEST" ― Starting February 16, 2026, with 9 Participating Companies Including Nikkei and HENNGE ―

■ A Gateway for Young White Hat Hackers: Prestigious Companies Join In

■ Aiming to Become the "Baseline" of the Security Industry

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