Annual Plugin Contest

Our annual plugin contest is back!

Reverse-engineering software can be very challenging, even with all the built-in features that IDA offers. That's why IDA users can extend the software and add functionality they deem missing. IDA users can do so in multiple ways: with the built-in scriptable language, Python 3, or plugins in C/C++. And with IDA 9.0, users can also extend IDA with idalib!

Every year, Hex-Rays organizes a contest for the most innovative, interesting, and useful extension of IDA. This year is no different! Your submissions are expected before 31 December 2024 midnight (CET Europe). Read more below.

Contest rules in a nutshell:

• Create an innovative and useful extension of our products to win!
• Three cash prizes are at stake:
  • First place is $5,000
  • Second is $2,500
  • Third place is $1,000
• Who can participate? All active IDA license holders.
• Submission deadline: 31 December 2024, midnight (Belgian time) at the latest.

Contest rules in a larger shell : (See what we did there?)

1. The contest goal is to create an innovative, interesting, and useful extension for IDA and/or the Decompiler. The extension can be written in C, C++, or Python.
2. Plugins are required to work with IDA 8.4 AND/OR IDA 9.0. (Want to give IDA 9.0 a try? If you are currently on IDA 8.4, you can find detailed instructions on how to get IDA 9.0 here: https://hex-rays.com/faqs/how-do-i-upgrade-to-ida-9
3. Side applications using idalib can be submitted as well.
4. Three winners will receive a cash prize - 1st place: $5,000 USD, 2nd place: $2,500 USD, and 3rd place: $1,000 USD.
5. All active IDA license holders can participate (with or without an active support plan), except Hex-Rays employees and their families.
6. How to participate:
   • Send your plugin to contest@hex-rays.com.
   • The submission should include the source code and a small description of how to use the plugin.
   • Specify who should be credited for the plugin - The name(s) of the individual(s), or the company name, or the university name. Essentially, how you would like the authors to appear on the results page. Click here to see last years results page: https://plugins.hex-rays.com/contest2023
7. By submitting an entry, you declare that you own the copyright to the source code or you are authorized to use it.
8. By submitting an entry, you declare you are not on an international sanction list. Hex-Rays is required to verify.
9. Submission deadline: 31 December 2024, midnight (Belgian time) at latest.
10. Submission review process: Hex-Rays will select the winners. The review and testing period will take place in early January 2025.
11. Winner selection: Hex-Rays will announce the 3 winners mid-January 2025. Winners will be contacted directly as well.
12. Winner requirements: a valid form of identification (driver's license, ID card, or passport) and bank account information within 30 days of notification of winning. The bank transfer will be made within two weeks after authenticating the winner.
13. Collective entries are allowed. The prize will be paid to the person designated by the group.
14. The winners will be listed on the Hex-Rays Contest page. The winners may request Hex-Rays not to disclose their real name on that page.