Purdue University Northwest was host to the 2026 Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

More than 100 students from 12 colleges in 10 states competed March 20 through 21 in Hammond for a chance at the national competition April 24 through 26.

DePaul University based in Chicago earned that chance, according to the Education Pathway National Center. Cedarville University in Ohio earned a wildcard spot, and Purdue University rounded out the top three.

Teams took on simulated hackers, who tried to break into their servers, providing real-world challenges.

Purdue University Northwest’s College of Technology, department of computer information technology and graphics, and Center for Cybersecurity hosted the event for the second year.

“Hosting the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for the Midwest region has been a great opportunity for PNW to demonstrate our commitment to support cybersecurity education, workforce development and professional development for students,” said Michael Tu, professor of computer information technology and director of PNW’s Center for Cybersecurity, in a press release.

Gwyneth Sutherlin, associate professor and director of the University Consortium for Cybersecurity for the Department of Defense at National Defense University, delivered the keynote address.