Helios Cyber City CTF

Event Overview

Experience challenges drawn directly from real-world practice in an immersive, hands-on event unlike anything in the classroom. This event places you inside Helios Cyber City, a live, dynamic digital environment built to mirror the complexity and realism of real-world infrastructure. From operational systems to networked services, Helios presents a fully realised digital ecosystem where your actions have genuine consequences, just as they would in a real-world setting.

Who Should Attend

This event is open to all students with an interest in technology, whether you study cyber security, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or any related discipline. You do not need prior experience of CTF competitions or cyber security to take part; the challenges are designed to be accessible to newcomers whilst remaining stretching for those with more experience. If you enjoy problem solving, logical thinking, or working under pressure, this event is for you.

The Challenge

The event runs as a competitive Capture the Flag (CTF), a gamified format used by technology teams and recruiters worldwide to test and showcase technical skill. You will navigate a series of challenges spanning cyber security, mathematics, coding, and problem solving, drawing on the skills you already have whilst pushing you to develop new ones. Working through real-world scenarios, you will race against the clock and your peers to climb the leader board.

Why It Matters

Helios Cyber City is not a simulation in the traditional sense. It is a living, breathing digital environment that evolves and responds like genuine infrastructure does, giving you exposure to the kind of operational complexity you will encounter across the technology industry. Whether you are solving a mathematical puzzle, debugging code under pressure, or uncovering a hidden vulnerability before your competitors do, every challenge is designed to build real, transferable skills.

Challenge Yourself. Learn. Build your Skills.

This is not just about learning; it is about identifying what you can do. There will be prizes and awards, and the opportunity to demonstrate practical abilities that stand out to employers and industry partners alike.

Event Hosts

This is a CSE Connect Regional Hub Event, hosted in collaboration with CY2, Sheffield Hallam University and CSE Connect