IIT-K's C3iHuB introduces startup cohorts in Delhi.

In Kanpur, C3iHub, a National Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) for Advanced Cyber Security at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), introduced startup cohorts III, IV, and V in Delhi on Friday. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the NM-ICPS Mission, C3iHub unveiled 19 startups specializing in various cybersecurity domains such as application security, integrated SOC solution, cyber forensics, blockchain technology, UAV security, IoT security, and cyber insurance.

The TIH is extensively involved in addressing cybersecurity challenges across cyber-physical systems, including critical infrastructures, automotive, and drones. It supports startups, collaborates with industries to commercialize tools, and trains future cybersecurity professionals. C3iHub has supported fifty startups across five cohorts through its Startup Incubation Program, focusing on 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, along with a monthly salary of Rs 50,000 for one founder over two years, resulting in an initial investment of Rs 22 lakhs. It aims for at least a 20% success rate among startups after the two-year incubation period, facilitating connections with investors and corporations to aid in capital raising.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Lt. General MU Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator; Navon 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 Glucan Rai, India’s first National Cyber Security Coordinator.

Proof Mahindra Agrawal, Project Director of C3iHub, highlighted the significant milestone achieved with the launch of these startups, crossing fifty cybersecurity incubated startups at C3iHub. Abhay Karandikar commended the exceptional performance of C3iHub among the 25 TIHs in the country and emphasized the need to further integrate core technologies like quantum tech and cybersecurity. Lt. General M U Nair stressed the importance of a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem to safeguard national security from potential cyber threats. Navon Kumar Singh expressed his satisfaction with his alma mater's leadership in supporting cybersecurity startups, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive ecosystem for cyber-physical systems.