HackShield wins European Digital Skills Award 2026

HackShield Future Cyber Heroes has been awarded the European Digital Skills Award 2026 in the Cybersecurity Skills category for its innovative approach to teaching children digital resilience.

The educational platform, which has already reached more than 800,000 children worldwide, was recognized for helping young people navigate the digital world safely and become positive role models in their communities. The award underscores the growing importance of equipping younger generations with the skills needed to protect themselves online.

Teaching digital resilience from an early age
Children today grow up in a world where being online is part of everyday life. They play games, communicate with friends, learn and explore digital spaces. Yet they are also exposed to risks such as online manipulation, cybercrime, misinformation and privacy threats.
While cybersecurity education has traditionally focused on adults, HackShield addresses this gap by giving children aged 7 to 12 the tools they need to recognize risks and make informed decisions. The program is a European initiative that gives young cyber talent a pathway to future careers in cybersecurity.

The award was announced in Brussels on June 30 by European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen.
Through an interactive game and classroom activities, children become Junior Cyber Agents, learning how to protect themselves and others in the digital world. The program is designed without commercial interests, ensuring that no data is sold and no marketing is directed at children, and is freely accessible to schools, libraries and families.

A milestone in a larger mission
The European Digital Skills Awards celebrate initiatives that strengthen digital competencies across Europe. By selecting HackShield, the jury acknowledged the importance of preparing younger generations for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital society and of strengthening the European talent pipeline that will drive Europe’s digital economy.

“This award demonstrates the importance of investing in digital talent from an early age,” said Emily Jacometti, founder of HackShield. “Children are growing up in an increasingly complex digital society. By giving them the knowledge, confidence and skills they need, we can help build a stronger, more resilient future while developing the next generation of European digital talent.”

HackShield operates in collaboration with municipalities, schools, law enforcement agencies and private partners across multiple countries. The organization aims to activate 10,000,001 heroes by 2030, helping to create a generation equipped to navigate the digital age with confidence and responsibility.

About HackShield Future Cyber Heroes
HackShield Future Cyber Heroes is a serious game that helps children aged 7 to 12 navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Through an interactive game and accompanying educational materials, children learn how to recognize online risks and what they can do to protect themselves and others.

Children are trained as Junior Cyber Agents and take their knowledge beyond the game, helping to raise awareness of digital safety among their parents, families and communities. HackShield identifies talent at an early age and inspires children to explore future careers in the digital world.

HackShield is freely accessible and is built on three core principles: no marketing directed at children, no data sales, and maximum accessibility. The program is used at home, in classrooms and in libraries, and has been developed in collaboration with municipalities, schools and partners.

More than 800,000 children worldwide have already played HackShield. Together with a growing network of public and private partners, HackShield is working towards one goal: empowering today’s children to become the cyber heroes of tomorrow.