IIT-K’s C3iHuB has launched startup cohorts III, IV, and V in Delhi. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the NM-ICPS Mission, C3iHuB presented 19 startups specializing in various cybersecurity areas like application security, integrated SOC solution, cyber forensics, blockchain technology, UAV security, IoT security, and cyber insurance.
The National Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) for Advanced Cyber Security at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) is deeply engaged in cybersecurity, from identifying vulnerabilities in critical cyber-physical systems to creating mitigation tools. This involves supporting startups, collaborating with industries for tool commercialization, and training the next wave of cybersecurity experts.
C3iHuB focuses on addressing cybersecurity challenges within cyber-physical systems like critical infrastructures, automotive, and drones. Its scope covers various cybersecurity domains such as network security, cryptography, intrusion detection, and deception technology.
Under the Startup Incubation Program, C3iHuB has supported fifty startups across five cohorts engaged in critical cybersecurity domains like cyber forensics, application security, blockchain technology, deception technology, threat intelligence, and cyber insurance.
C3iHuB provides a seed grant of Rs 10 lakhs to incubated startups and offers a monthly salary of Rs 50,000 for one founder over two years, resulting in an initial investment of Rs 22 lakhs. The organization aims for at least a 20% success rate among startups after the two-year incubation period. As startups mature, C3iHuB facilitates connections with investors and corporations to aid them in raising capital and fostering the development of India’s digital infrastructure.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Lt. General MU Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator; Navin Kumar Singh, IPS, Director General NCIIPC; Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, DST; Ekta Kapoor, Mission Director, NM-ICPS, DST; Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary of India; and Gulshan Rai, India’s first National Cyber Security Coordinator.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Project Director of C3iHuB, expressed pride in crossing the milestone of incubating fifty cybersecurity startups and highlighted the ecosystem’s potential to innovate globally. Abhay Karandikar commended C3iHuB’s exceptional performance among the 25 TIHs in the country and urged further development in core tech areas like quantum tech and AI.
Lt. General M U Nair emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in protecting national security and the need for a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem to tackle present and future challenges. Navin Kumar Singh praised IIT Kanpur for supporting cybersecurity startups and emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive ecosystem for cyber-physical systems.
