Ohio Cyber Range Institute brings cybersecurity challenge to UC campus and across Ohio
OCRI’s Capture Ohio ’26 Statewide CTF on April 11 gives students real‑world cyber experience
Event Information
Back for a second year, the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI) will host its annual statewide Capture the Flag (CTF) competition here at UC and across Ohio. OCRI’s cybersecurity challenge, called Capture Ohio ’26: OCRI Statewide CTF, takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, and connects students across Ohio for a coordinated day of hands‑on cyber learning. Registration is required. Students can gather a team of three to five members and sign up online to participate.
At UC, students from University of Dayton, Reading High School, Great Oaks Career Campuses and Ohio University will join students at Clifton Court Hall, Room 1210 - Technology Enhanced Active Learning Classroom; while students across Ohio can join virtually or at one of OCRI’s Regional Programming Center locations: Cedarville University, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland State/Case Western IoT Collaborative), Kent State University, Lorain County Community College, The Ohio State University, Shawnee State University, Stark State College and The University of Akron.
Students from Cuyahoga Community College, Bowling Green State University, Miami University, The University of Findlay and Tiffin University will join virtually.
OCRI’s model of cyber education and workforce development unites higher education, K–12 schools, industry leaders, and government partners to ensure that all Ohio students have equitable access to cyber training and clear pathways into cybersecurity careers. “Through the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, we’re able to connect every region of the state and support initiatives like our statewide Capture The Flag competition — helping strengthen and expand Ohio’s cybersecurity workforce,” said Bekah Michael, Executive Staff Director of OCRI.
During the competition, students will practice offensive and defensive cybersecurity techniques using OCRI’s Ohio Cyber Range platform. Challenges include digital forensics, encryption and password cracking, network traffic analysis, vulnerability identification, and reverse engineering. Prizes and certificates will be awarded for standout performance, and lunch and snacks will be provided at hosting locations.
This event promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on experience in ethical hacking through real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Event Overview
Title: Capture Ohio ‘26: OCRI Statewide Capture The Flag (CTF)
Date & Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026
UC location: Clifton Court Hall, Room 1210 - Technology Enhanced Active Learning Classroom
Registration: Sign up
Deadline to register: March 27, 2026
Event hashtag: #ocriCaptureOhio26
Contact: ocri@ucmail.uc.edu
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