The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology honored the champions of the ‘Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0’ with a total prize pool of Rs 6.85 crore. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India, aimed to enhance the country’s cyber security capabilities across critical technology areas. Winners received significant cash prizes, with the top winner earning Rs 1 crore.
A key aspect of the challenge was that the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the solutions developed belonged to the respective start-ups. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & IT, recognized the winners of the challenge, which focused on six crucial domains including API Security, Data Security, and AI for Threat Detection. The challenge, launched in January 2025, progressed through structured stages with financial support and mentorship provided to the participating start-ups.
The competition involved rigorous evaluation processes and attracted diverse participants, including student-led teams and women-led enterprises. Krishnan emphasized the significance of domestic cyber security capabilities, highlighting the evolving nature of security challenges. The ministry reiterated its commitment to promoting indigenization in cyber security and enhancing institutional and ecosystem capacity through sustained partnerships.
