IIT Kanpur’s Technology Innovation Hub, C3iHub, is taking a pivotal role in advancing India’s cybersecurity ecosystem. On August 21–22, 2025, C3iHub will host its much-anticipated Startup Demo Day in New Delhi. This two-day event will bring together startups, government leaders, investors, academia, and global tech companies, highlighting new products developed by C3iHub-incubated ventures. Beyond just product launches, the event features panel discussions, live demonstrations, pitch presentations, and exhibitions of cutting-edge solutions.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The Startup Demo Day is more than a showcase—it serves as a powerful networking platform. Entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to connect with policymakers, industry experts, and investors, which can spark new collaborations and accelerate innovation across India’s cyber landscape.
What Does It Have for Early-Stage Startup Founders?
As a startup founder attending C3iHub’s Startup Demo Day, you’ll gain direct access to an impressive network of government leaders, investors, corporate executives, academics, and major global tech firms. This is an ideal setting to meet fellow founders for collaborations and partnerships, and to share ideas that can drive your business forward. You can participate in live pitch presentations, showcasing your startup to influential investors and experts, or join exhibitions where your product or solution can capture the attention of media and key stakeholders.
Expanding Cybersecurity Education in Regional Languages
Recently, C3iHub partnered with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) and its Innovation Foundation to launch a vocational online course in Hindi. The program covers essential topics such as cybercrime, cryptography, malware analysis, online safety for vulnerable groups, and dark web threats. With practical labs and expert-led webinars (including sessions with I4C and law enforcement), the initiative aims to empower up to 100,000 learners, especially in Hindi-speaking areas, with rare and valuable cybersecurity skills.
Empowering the Indian Army with Cyber Training
Earlier this year, C3iHub conducted a 12-week cybersecurity training program for officers from the Indian Army’s Headquarters Central Command in Lucknow. Seventy personnel, split between basic and advanced tracks, completed the program. The mix of classroom teaching and online labs is building a new pool of “cyber warriors”—a direct response to the growing need for digitally resilient defense forces.
Fostering Deep-Tech Startups
C3iHub has become a launchpad for India’s cybersecurity startup ecosystem. Through its robust incubation program, it offers funding, mentorship, research facilities, and vital industry networks. Dozens of deep-tech cybersecurity startups have emerged from C3iHub, tackling challenges such as ransomware, phishing, and secure communications with innovative, homegrown solutions.
Championing Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The hub plays an instrumental role in supporting the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives. By nurturing indigenous cybersecurity tools and products, C3iHub actively reduces India’s reliance on foreign technologies, ensuring data security and sovereignty.
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Spreading Awareness and Inspiring the Next Generation
C3iHub is committed to building awareness around cybersecurity. It conducts frequent workshops, hackathons, and awareness drives in schools, colleges, and professional settings—sparking young minds’ interest and preparing them for careers in this critical sector.
Building a Resilient Digital India
With rapid digital transformation across sectors like banking, healthcare, and governance, cybersecurity is now more important than ever. C3iHub collaborates with industry and government partners to develop advanced protection for critical infrastructure and deploy AI-driven security systems. Its dynamic approach and impactful projects are steadily reinforcing national security and creating a safer digital future for India.
Check out the official announcement by IIT Kanpur.
Conclusion: Towards a Secure and Self-Reliant Digital Nation
C3iHub’s comprehensive initiatives—supporting startups, empowering defense, spreading education, and fostering innovation—are making a tangible difference. By championing talent, technology, and training, C3iHub stands at the forefront of India’s mission to build a secure, skilled, and self-reliant nation in the digital era.
