BLACK FOREST HACKATHON
Pentest: Badenova Edition
Badenova Forum, Tullastr. 61, 79108 Freiburg im Breisgau
The participant spots for the Pentest Edition of the Hackathon are limited to 20. We will select the most suitable applicants based on predefined criteria. Unlike other hackathons, participation is not through direct registration, but via an application process.
WHY HACK WITH US?
€10,000 in Cash Prizes – Compete for top rewards!
Free Participation – No fees, just innovation.
Networking & Career Opportunities – Connect with Badenova & Peers!
Hackathon Swag – Walk away with cool merch!
Who should join?
We’re looking for 20 pentesters and security enthusiasts:
🏅 Certified Pentesters – Bring your certs and your methodology.
🏴☠️ CTF & Hackathon Participants – If you’ve joined CTFs, hackathons, or security workshops, you’ll feel right at home.
🌐 Security Community Members – Active in OWASP, CCC, or other communities? Bring the spirit (and the skills).
🔍 Private Researchers & Vulnerability Hunters – You spend your free time in home labs, Bug Bounty programs, with a sharp eye for vulnerabilities? Come on board.
🤝 Solo Hackers & Small Teams (1–3) – Join alone or with a team; if you’re solo, we can optionally match you with others on Friday evening.
Your 48h Security Assessment
| Friday 12th June | Saturday 13th June All-Day Hacking (Online) |
Sunday 14th June Hacking (Online) until 19:00 |
Friday 19th June |
| 16:00 Registration | 16:00 Check-in | ||
| 17:00 Welcome | 16:30 Welcome | ||
| 17:15 Rules & Conditions | 16:40 Keynote | ||
| 18:00 Dinner & Networking | 17:10 Award Ceremony | ||
| 19:00 Hacking Begins | Findings Submission | 17:40 Dinner & Networking |
Our Co-Organizer
HOW IT WORKS
DAY 1: Ignition
Team up, lock scope & rules, then kick off the web-faced testing.
DAY 2: EXPLORE
Escalate privileges, bypass filters, hunt for the crown jewels. No stone unturned, no vulnerability safe.
DAY 3: Report
Document the pwnage. Show your path, your evidence and your top vulnerabilities.
Day 4: GLORY
Debrief, keynotes, awards — then dinner and bask in the glory.
RELIVE THE EXPERIENCE
FAQ
Do I need to pay a participation fee?
Nope! The Black Forest Hackathon is 100% free – including food and drinks!
What if I've never been to a hackathon?
Normally that’s no problem at all. However, for this Pentest Special Edition hackathon, participation is limited to 20 people, so we’re specifically looking for participants with hacking experience.
Do I need to be a student to join?
You don’t need to be a student or a newcomer to join. What matters is your skill level in hacking. We’re looking for a good mix of experience, so if you’re motivated and eager to learn, feel free to apply, even if you’re not sure about your current level!
Will the hackathon be online?
It’s a hybrid format. We’ll kick things off in person in Freiburg on Friday afternoon with an opening session followed by dinner. Saturday and Sunday are fully remote/online (the room will not be available on-site).
The award ceremony will take place in person in Freiburg on the following Friday and includes a networking event and dinner.
Can I stay overnight?
Unfortunately, no. Overnight stays at the venue aren’t possible. On Friday, the venue closes at 9:00 PM. If you need accommodation, we’re happy to help you find a nearby hotel.
Can I register without a team?
Yes! Unlike the classic Black Forest Hackathons, teams for the Pentest Hackathon are smaller – 1 to 3 members. If you’d like to team up, you can connect with others on Discord or meet fellow hackers in person on Friday to form a team.
How do I win?
The vulnerabilities with the highest severity are rewarded.
What profiles and skills are you looking for?
We're looking for hackers who genuinely enjoy offensive security. Practical hands-on experience from personal projects or professional work in finding vulnerabilities is a big plus, especially in web-facing environments.
Have more questions?
Drop us an email: info@blackforesthackathon.de
Past Participating Companies
