Pentraze Cybersecurity, in collaboration with the Instituto Tecnológico de las Américas (ITLA), and as part of ITLA Security Fest 2025, successfully held the first edition of the Interuniversity CTF of the Dominican Republic, an event that brought together students from ten of the country’s leading universities to put their cybersecurity skills to the test.
Over the three days of the Grand Final, participants faced challenges that combined technical cybersecurity tasks, strategy, and physical dynamics, fostering creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
The event was supported by strategic partners and sponsors, with Banco Popular Dominicano serving as the main sponsor, backing this initiative that promotes young talent and strengthens the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. We also counted on the collaboration of the SANS Institute, which contributed its platform and donated three licenses for its courses, as well as the collaboration of BotPro.
Pentraze also added academic value to ITLA Security Fest 2025 through conferences and presentations delivered by its team, sharing knowledge and experience with students and professionals.
The winners of the top three places were representatives from the universities INTEC, ITLA, and UNICARIBE. They received cash prizes and trophies for their universities in recognition of their effort and dedication. Honorary prizes were also awarded in the form of three laptops donated by Banco Popular Dominicano.
As part of this experience, RootKitty, the official CTF mascot, was introduced. RootKitty appeared on the event’s merchandise and will accompany Pentraze and participants in all future editions, symbolizing identity, enthusiasm, and a passion for cybersecurity.
Pentraze remains committed to strengthening the development of new cybersecurity talent, and events like this mark just the beginning of a journey aimed at inspiring, motivating, and preparing the next generation of professionals in the country.