IssueHunt Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazumasa Yokomizo), a provider of bug bounty platforms and security services, announced on February 10 that SORACOM, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) will provide its program for "P3NFEST Bug Bounty 2026 Spring," a bug bounty event exclusive to individuals aged 25 and under.
The event will run from February 16 to March 31, 2026. Participants will conduct vulnerability assessments on SORACOM's IoT platform, "SORACOM," and can receive rewards based on the vulnerabilities discovered.
SORACOM provides an IoT platform that connects over 8 million devices worldwide. Regarding their participation, Masaki Takahashi, IT Security Officer at SORACOM, commented: "IoT is a 'mixed martial arts' of multiple intertwining technologies, offering the chance to encounter rare vulnerabilities that are difficult to find in other domains." The company welcomes active challenges from students and young engineers.
Furthermore, as a unique benefit of this program, participants who submit a prescribed research report (detailing research methods, targets, IDs used, etc.) will be eligible for support in the form of Amazon Gift Cards to cover communication costs incurred during testing, regardless of whether a vulnerability is found (subject to budget limits).
"P3NFEST Bug Bounty" is an event aimed at nurturing the next generation of security talent.
With SORACOM—a leading company in the IoT sector—joining the likes of HENNGE, Nikkei Inc., and Nulab, the event is expected to be a valuable opportunity for young talent to hone practical skills not only in Web security but also in the advanced field of IoT security.
■ ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Seed-stage R&D for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided as a subsidy. For hands-on support, selection committee members who participated in the screening process continue to stay involved after the selection to promote growth. For companies that committee members evaluated as "must-adopt," the members themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities—a support system akin to being a "devoted fan."
2. Discovery & Nurturing
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to encourage the business growth of league members. We also seek to discover individuals aiming to become entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed like a sports league, it serves as a venue for positive competition where startups learn and challenge each other to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection committee members.
4. Promotion
We promote the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media. By making their businesses more widely known, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and growth.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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IssueHunt Inc. (Official Site)
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IssueHunt Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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P3NFEST 2026 Spring (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
