The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), has officially launched the highly anticipated second edition of the Cybersecurity Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). With a substantial prize pool of ₹6.85 crore, this initiative aims to revolutionize India’s cybersecurity landscape by fostering innovation, mentorship, and market access.
Registration Period and Focus Areas
Registrations for the Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 are open from January 15 to February 14, 2025. This national-level competition encourages participants to develop groundbreaking solutions in six critical areas:
- API Security
- Data Protection
- Wearable Device Security and Privacy
- Clone and Fake App Mitigation
- AI-Driven Threat Detection and Incident Response
- Next-Generation Biometric Security
For more details and to register, participants can visit the official website: https://innovateindia.mygov.in/cyber-security-grand-challenge/.
A Leap Towards a Digitally Secure India
This initiative aligns with the core goals of Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat, as emphasized by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY. Speaking at the launch, he stated, “The Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 is designed to identify and support startups offering innovative cybersecurity solutions. With a substantial prize pool and a focus on addressing current cybersecurity threats, this initiative will strengthen India’s digital security capabilities while promoting homegrown solutions.”
Stages and Incentives of the Challenge
The Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 introduces an enhanced four-stage framework, which includes:
- Idea Stage
- Recognizes 36 startups (6 for each problem statement).
- Each selected startup receives ₹5 lakh.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage
- Shortlists 18 startups.
- Each startup is awarded ₹10 lakh.
- Final Product Stage
- Winners for each of the six problem statements receive ₹25 lakh each.
- Go-to-Market Stage
- Aims to help startups commercialize their solutions.
- Awards:
- Platinum Winner: ₹1 crore
- Gold Winner: ₹50 lakh
- Silver Winner: ₹25 lakh
Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
A standout feature of CSGC 2.0 is the provision that allows startups to retain full ownership of their intellectual property rights (IPR). This empowers participants to commercialize their innovations independently while contributing to India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Comprehensive Mentorship and Support
Throughout the challenge, participants will benefit from tailored mentorship programs, including:
- Technical Guidance: Assistance in refining and developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
- Business Mentorship: Strategies to scale and commercialize their innovations.
- Market Access: Opportunities to connect with industry leaders, government bodies, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Key Insights from Industry Leaders
The launch event featured insights from prominent figures:
- Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY: “Continuous innovation is critical to addressing emerging threats, especially in the era of AI and quantum computing. The Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 aims to inspire the development of advanced solutions that enhance national cybersecurity.”
- Shri Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI: “We are grateful to MeitY for increasing the prize money and for their unwavering support in shaping this initiative. The collaboration of government bodies, PSUs, and industry experts has been instrumental in defining impactful problem statements.”
Encouraging Innovation for a Secure Digital Future
The Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 is more than just a competition—it is a platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and capability-building in the cybersecurity domain. By incentivizing startups to tackle real-world challenges, this initiative aims to strengthen India’s digital resilience and pave the way for a secure and self-reliant digital future.
As India’s digital infrastructure expands, initiatives like CSGC 2.0 play a pivotal role in addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges. The combined efforts of innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will undoubtedly shape a safer and more secure digital India.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to India’s cybersecurity revolution. Register now and be a part of this transformative journey!