The final stage of the University Cyber League: Final Flame 2025 is taking place in Zhytomyr where thirty top students from three Ukrainian universities are competing in a pilot program designed to prepare Ukraine’s next generation of Security Operations Centre analysts. The initiative marks an important step for cyber education in the country. It became possible through funding from The Estonian Centre for International Development, with Security Expert Group leading the local implementation and CybExer serving as the technical partner providing the cyber range environment.
Ninety students entered the program from Polissia State University “Zhytomyr Polytechnic”, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, and Khmelnytskyi National University. Their journey began in early October with an intensive learning phase combining online theoretical modules and a practical Bootcamp delivered in parallel on all three campuses. The qualification round continued online where students worked through realistic SOC scenarios inside the CybExer cyber range and applied the skills gained during the first training stage. Thirty finalists advanced to the culminating Capture The Flag challenge where they demonstrate their ability to solve complex cybersecurity problems under pressure. Three winners will be selected and awarded based on their performance.
The program delivers long term benefits for Ukraine’s cyber resilience. It strengthens the national talent pipeline and supports the universities involved. Six lecturers from the participating institutions will complete a certified EC Council SOC Analyst course and have the opportunity to earn the associated international certification. All learning materials, laboratories, and scenarios developed for the project will remain with the universities so they can integrate a modern SOC analysis course into their curricula. This ensures sustained access to practical and current cyber training built on CybExer’s technology.
