The “Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0,” which has a combined prize fund of 6.85 Cr, is launched by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology in collaboration with DSCI. For cutting-edge solutions in API security, data protection, wearable privacy, clone app mitigation, AI threat detection, and biometric security, registration is open from January 15 to February 14, 2025.
According to Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, this project will support market access, mentorship, and capability-building in line with the objectives of Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat.
Lately, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), introduced the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge, or CSGC 2.0. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) is implementing CSGC 2.0.
A more secure digital future is being paved by the program, which focuses on enhancing the country’s cybersecurity competences and capability building in strategic areas.
Notably, the Cyber Security Grand Challenge has significantly increased its total prize money from INR 3.2 crores to INR 6.85 crores since its first edition, making it one of the most alluring and lucrative cybersecurity competitions in the country.
Registrations are now open. To Know More About The Challenge and Registrations, CLICK HERE
Tackling cybersecurity challenges with IPR ownership
MeitY extends an invitation to innovators, startups, and aspiring business owners to take part in the Grand Challenge.
One distinctive aspect is that the corresponding startup will be the owner of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the product being produced as part of the challenge. The entire CSGC 2.0 process will be divided into phases, with mentorship offered at each one.
API Security, Data Security, Wearable Device Security and Privacy, Clone and Fake App Mitigation, AI for Threat Detection and Incident Response, and Securing Next-Generation Biometric Systems are the six problem statement areas that participants in the Grand Challenge must develop solutions for.
Stages of Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0
In addition to the three stages of Idea, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and Final Product, Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 also includes a Go-to-Market stage. By qualifying six startups for each issue statement in the Idea Stage, it broadens the reach of recognition.
As a result, 36 startups were recognized in the early stage, each receiving INR 5 lakh, and 18 startups received INR 10 lakh at the Minimum Viable Product stage.
Startups will receive business and technical mentoring during the challenge to help them develop into profitable endeavors. Each of the six problem statements will have a victor at the Final Stage, who will get INR 25 lakh.
Following the Go-to-Market Phase, the last phase of the Grand Challenge, the Platinum Winner will receive a prize of INR 1 crore whereas Gold Winner and Silver Winner will receive INR 50 lakh and INR 25 lakh respectively.
Key Comments
Launching the Grand Challenge 2.0, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said, “The Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 is a major government-backed initiative with a significant amount of prize money of INR 6.85 crores and a focus on recognizing startups offering innovative cybersecurity solutions. The problem statements are current and in sync with the latest cybersecurity threat landscape. This initiative will provide mentorship, capability-building and market access, aligning with the goals of Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. I hope the participants and winners will lead change and bring out home grown innovative security solutions to empower India’s digital journey.”
Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, said, “We need continuous innovation to combat emerging threats, especially with the advent of new technologies like AI and quantum computing to enhance cyber security capabilities of the nation. We hope that the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 will serve as a momentum to ideate and innovate cutting-edge solutions.
Shri Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI, said, “We thank MeitY for hosting the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 and increasing the prize money to foster innovation. The support of government bodies, PSUs, and industry experts has been crucial in shaping the challenge and its problem statements.
