What is it?

In the Cyber Policy Shark Tank, cyber policy innovators pitch solutions to Congressional staffers who have the tools, influence, and track record for putting ideas into action. From legislation and hearings to informal outreach, public statements, and letters, the potential policy actions are as diverse as the challenges they aim to address. With the opportunity to gain not only support but also strategic partnerships and guidance, participants can showcase their knowledge of Legislative levers of power, passion, and ingenuity while taking proactive, positive steps to address some of the most challenging global issues today.

The rules are simple, the impacts can be meaningful

You have 3-4 minutes to touch on the problem, a specific step that can address it, what to expect if successful, and what you need from the Sharks to make it happen. Sharks have 7-8 minutes to ask questions, suggest tweaks, and offer to invest their time, energy, and political capital alongside you to make it happen.

The primary goals of the event are to help the cybersecurity researcher and practitioner community exercise their practical understanding of how to use public policy to achieve desired effects. The time constraints and Q&A from Sharks ensure participants can articulate the value of their ideas to public policy decision-makers quickly and clearly.

Sharks award points for each pitch, with prizes given for the best idea and the one most likely to end in disaster. Ideas are evaluated on the following scoring system (yes, this goes to 11 😎):

Criterion	Points
Using the right levers, targets, and authorities of the Legislative branch (formal or informal)	4
Likelihood to address the problem it sets out to solve	3
Feasibility and likelihood to be implementable	3
Creativity	1

How to enter and what to expect

All are welcome to enter. When a submission window opens we announce via social media and email. Ideas centered on cybersecurity impacts to life, safety, and national security are most likely to move forward, but we welcome all perspectives.

1

Submit your idea. Provide your name, contact information, a title, a brief description, and a one-page decision brief (no more than 600 words). The form guides you through each section. See the sample submissions below for examples of what a strong brief looks like.

2

Preliminary round. Selected innovators are notified in advance and invited to pitch in a preliminary round (virtual or in-person, depending on the event). Every participant receives feedback from the Sharks, whether or not they advance.

3

Final round. Three finalists pitch live as the closing session of the event. The format mirrors the preliminary round with a bit more time. Winners are announced on stage.

Sign up for our notification list to hear when the next submission window opens.

Sample submissions

These are real pitches from past events. Use them as a guide for structure, scope, and tone when drafting your own decision brief.

Right to Reboot Act Fighting Cyber Hackers with Hacking AI Liability Clarity Act

Who are the Sharks?

Like with the TV show, your goal is to get one (or more) Sharks to invest in your idea. Will you try to persuade one of them a lot or all of them a little? Will you propose something ambitious and inspiring or bite-sized for a quick win? Those decisions lie with you, and we recommend you do some of your own digging to figure out how you want to present to them. The identities of the Sharks will be announced closer to each event.

The Sharks are a mix of current and former Congressional staffers. They are all people who have the ability to help you get your idea into action, and they are all people who have a track record of doing so. They are not just there to judge you; they are there to help your ideas succeed.

Past events

Washington, DC, January 2025 The first ever Cyber Policy Shark Tank was held at Hackers on the Hill, with five innovators pitching five experienced Sharks. The ideas were bold and innovative, with the Sharks providing helpful and candid feedback. The presentations sparked further collaboration between public policymakers and the cybersecurity researcher community.
Washington, DC, June 2025 The Shark Tank returned as the closing session of Hackers on the Hill at Critical Effect 2025.
Washington, DC, June 2026 The Shark Tank returned as the closing session of Critical Effect 2026 (June 17-18). See the archive for Hackers on the Hill DC 2026.