International Cyber and Information Security Conference “CYDEF2026” to be Held on December 9–10, 2026 – Main Theme: “National Resilience in the Age of AI”

The Cyber Defense Innovation Organization (Headquarters: Chuo City, Tokyo; President: Masahiro Hashimoto) will host the international cyber and information security conference “CYDEF2026” at Iino Hall & Conference Center in Tokyo on December 9 (Wednesday) and 10 (Thursday), 2026.

Additionally, starting July 13, 2026, the organization will begin accepting sponsor applications, launch a public call for the official symbol mark representing the conference theme, and open a donation appeal.

This conference is one of Japan’s premier international forums where policymakers, military and government officials, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world gather to discuss cybersecurity and international security challenges.

The 2026 theme is “National Resilience in the Age of AI.” Amid rapid advancements in AI technology and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the conference will explore new forms of resilience required of nations, societies, and enterprises.

Messages of Anticipation from Experts Worldwide

In anticipation of CYDEF2026, leading experts from around the world have shared their expectations. (Excerpts)

Dr. James Lewis

Senior Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Special Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

“CYDEF is one of Japan’s premier cybersecurity conferences, and this year’s theme addresses a major shift in cybersecurity that deserves our attention.”

Dr. Jason Brown

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

Assistant Professor, U.S. Army Cyber Institute

“For Japan to lead in realizing a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, technological innovation must be complemented by trust-based international collaboration and strategic dialogue. CYDEF continues to evolve as an international platform that brings together global policymakers, researchers, military and industry leaders, and cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of cybersecurity and international security.”

Shinichi Yokohama

President and CEO

NTT Security Holdings Corporation

“We stand at a pivotal moment in human history. As with the invention of the printing press, many technologies have contributed to the democratization of society. Now, we are witnessing the democratization of technology itself. With initiatives like Open Mythos, we are approaching an era where anyone can create AI. In such an age, individuals will need greater agency, and the very concepts of ‘organizations’ and ‘nations’ may transform. The geopolitical shifts of the past five years reflect this transformation unfolding before our eyes. Against this backdrop, CYDEF2026, themed ‘National Resilience in the Age of AI,’ will serve as a forum to collectively envision and co-create our future. I sincerely hope this conference becomes a significant step toward safely passing our society to the next generation and steadily advancing toward a human-centered society. I look forward to global leaders, experts, and practitioners gathering to define the new shape of critical infrastructure protection and national resilience in the AI era.”

Professor Eiji Kuwana

Graduate School of Information Security

“The advancement of AI is prompting us to reconsider the resilience of societal infrastructure and economic activities, as well as the nature of cybersecurity. I look forward to CYDEF2026 as a platform that bridges industry, government, academia, and international insights with practical and research-based approaches.”

Theme: Rethinking National Resilience in the Age of AI

Emerging technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing, and big data are transforming society and industry. At the same time, modern crises—evident in the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and the situation around the Taiwan Strait—are expanding beyond land, sea, and air into cyberspace, information space, and outer space, with threats on the rise.

At CYDEF2026, under the theme “National Resilience in the Age of AI,” government officials, military representatives, researchers, and corporate leaders from around the world will gather to discuss technological innovation, evolving security environments, and the enhancement of societal resilience.

In addition, CYDEF will expand its reach to include startups, creating a new initiative called “Challenge Matching” to connect the challenges (Needs) faced by government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprises with the innovative technologies and ideas (Seeds) developed by startups, researchers, and technologists.

Four Key Values of CYDEF2026

1. Understand the Current Crisis

Experts from active security frontlines—Ukraine, the Middle East, Taiwan, and beyond—will be invited.

Through keynote speeches by on-the-ground practitioners and researchers, participants will learn what is happening globally and how Japan and the Indo-Pacific region can apply these lessons.

2. Understand the State of Technology

The conference will showcase the cutting edge of rapidly advancing technologies, including generative AI, quantum computing, big data, and cybersecurity.

Participants will engage in multidimensional discussions on the opportunities and risks posed by technological innovation, shaping visions for nations, enterprises, and societies in the AI era.

3. Master Crisis Management

Beyond lectures, the conference will feature workshops and a Critical Infrastructure Protection Tabletop Exercise (TTX) conducted by NATO-affiliated organizations.

Simulating complex crises involving cyberattacks, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and information manipulation, the event will provide participants with hands-on experience to develop practical response capabilities.

4. Co-Create the Future

CYDEF2026 will bring together research institutions, universities, government agencies, and enterprises from Europe, North America, and the Indo-Pacific region. Through discussions and exercises, the conference will outline directions for international cooperation in cyber defense, talent development, and security research. It also aims to lay the foundation for future collaboration among allied nations’ research, educational, and corporate institutions.

Main Program

(Keynote Speeches)

- Cyber Warfare and the Situation in Ukraine

- National Resilience and the Middle East Situation

- Security Environment Around the Taiwan Strait

- Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region

etc.

(Panels)

- AI and National Security

- Cognitive Warfare

- Space Security

- Critical Infrastructure Protection

etc.

(Workshops)

- Critical Infrastructure Protection TTX

- International Cyber Law

- Cognitive Warfare

- Energy Security

etc.

(Challenge Matching)

- Matching government and corporate needs with startup innovations

Call for Sponsors and Supporting Organizations

CYDEF2026 is inviting companies and organizations that share its mission and wish to collaborate toward achieving national resilience in the age of AI.

This conference, attended by government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, defense and security professionals, research institutions, universities, and international organizations, offers an opportunity to showcase your initiatives globally and domestically, build new networks, and create opportunities for joint research and talent development.

(Sponsor Application Start Date)

July 13, 2026 (Monday)

(Sponsor Application Website)

https://2026.cydef.net/sponsors/