Helping young people use their digital skills for good

About The Hacking Games

The Hacking Games is a UK-based social impact business working in partnership with Co-op to help prevent cybercrime at its source. They identify unconventional talent — especially Gen Z gamers, coders and self-taught problem-solvers — and channel their digital skills into ethical careers in cyber security. It’s a vital intervention — especially as cybercrime gangs increasingly target young people for criminal recruitment.

Co‑op Academies Trust in action

Together Co-op and The Hacking Games will initiate pilot schemes across Co-op Academies Trust’s 38 academies in the North of England, reaching more than 20,000 students. The pilot focuses on prevention, digital resilience and inclusion with support tailored for neurodivergent learners.

Students will use the HAPTAI platform, a bespoke recruitment tool that translates gaming performance into aptitude. HAPTAI’s unique gamified environment connects with students often excluded from traditional routes, including neurodiverse, those from underserved backgrounds and young people engaged through gaming and modding, sparking curiosity and unlocking hidden potential.

The programme signposts next steps into study, training and early career opportunities in cybersecurity with employer partners helping translate aptitude into real placements. By tackling this challenge head on, the programme gives students exploring these areas a new perspective and insight into ethical pathways, creating a scalable progression from classroom to career.