About the Gray Swan Arena
Gray Swan is an AI safety and security company founded here at CMU by Professors Zico Kolter and Matt Fredrikson. The Gray Swan Arena is the world's largest platform for AI red teaming.
On Sunday 3/15 (the weekend after Spring Break), CASI is collaborating with Gray Swan to host the Staged Attack Challenge locally at CMU. No prior red-teaming experience is needed. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to poke at AI systems.
What You'll Be Doing
Modern AI systems are wrapped in layered defenses — input filters, output filters, full pipelines. Your job is to find where those layers break down. For each target, you'll attack progressively harder configurations, from the raw model up to the full defense pipeline. Every valid break contributes real research data back to frontier labs.
Scoring & Prizes
Rankings are based on the number of successful breaks — each layer you crack across each target counts as a separate valid submission. The more you break, the higher you place.
- $5,000 in local prizes distributed at the end of the day at our local event (12:00PM – 6:00PM) — compete individually or on a team
- $40,000 in global prizes via the two-week competition leaderboard — individual competitors only
In addition, Gray Swan offers red-team contracting opportunities and fast-tracked interviews for top arena performers. Recruiters will also be at the event with merch!
Event Details
When? Sunday 3/15, 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Where? Rashid Auditorium (GHC 4401), with additional overflow classrooms (details TBA)
Food? Lunch, boba, and dinner provided.
All backgrounds welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
No experience is required. Beginners are welcome. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to poke at AI systems.
Sunday, March 15, 12:00PM – 6:00PM at Rashid Auditorium (GHC 4401).
Yes! Lunch, boba, and dinner will be provided.
Yes. Local prizes ($5,000 pool) are open to both individuals and teams. Global prizes ($40,000 pool) are for individual competitors only.
TBD. Check back closer to the event for a detailed schedule.
- A laptop
- Your creativity and red-teaming mindset