OpenScholarXIV

Many aspiring cybersecurity professionals struggle to gain practical, hands-on experience. Traditional learning methods often focus heavily on theory, leaving learners unprepared for real-world security challenges. Additionally, organizations and educators need structured environments where students can safely practice offensive and defensive security skills without risking production systems. How does it solve it? The Buna Byte CTF Platform provides a gamified, hands-on cybersecurity training environment where users can learn by doing. Participants solve realistic security challenges across domains such as web exploitation, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, reverse engineering, OSINT, and binary exploitation. Key features include: - Interactive challenges that simulate real-world attack scenarios - Progressive difficulty levels for beginners through advanced practitioners - Realistic lab environments designed around modern vulnerabilities - Leaderboards and achievements to encourage engagement and competition - Learning-focused challenge writeups and hints - Team-based competitions and training events - Practical skill development aligned with industry certifications and job requirements The platform bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world cybersecurity practice, helping learners develop the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and mindset required for careers in offensive security, penetration testing, incident response, and security research.

The NOViQ solution addresses the structural failure of a one-size-fits-all education system in Ethiopia by providing individualized, AI-powered support. Solution: NOViQ (Main Platform)2 NOViQ is an AI-first personalized learning platform built specifically for Ethiopian secondary school students (Grades 9–12). It delivers fully personalized, curriculum-aligned learning experiences—not generic content, but classes, quizzes, and exams generated around the Ethiopian national curriculum for each subject and topic a student selects. Platform Description2 The platform operates by mapping a student's chosen topic to the Ethiopian curriculum and then generating a personalized class for them. This class includes explanations, real-world examples, and diagrams, all delivered in a format matched to that student's specific level and learning pace.2 Key features include: Personalized Content: Students can read the class, take a quiz, and receive instant feedback. The content is available in both text and on-demand video format with animations, and in English and Amharic.2 Gap Analysis: Students can take full subject exams and see exactly where their knowledge gaps are.2 An in-app AI assistant allows students to ask questions, which are grounded in the Ethiopian curriculum.2 Student Community The platform also features a live student community where peers can post questions, get answers, and interact.23 Solution: NOViQ Junior NOViQ Junior is an offline-based AI application designed for middle school students (Grades 5–8). Its purpose is to sharpen foundational skills like Science, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Facts to prepare students for the future and ensure they are ready for secondary school. It aims to address the problem of students arriving at secondary school already behind on foundational skills.2