MeitY Launches Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 with ₹6.85 Crore Prize Pool

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) today launched the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0) to bolster India’s cybersecurity capabilities. The initiative, inaugurated by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, is being implemented by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI).

With a significant prize pool of ₹6.85 crore, more than double the ₹3.2 crore from its inaugural edition, the challenge aims to attract innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, strengthening the nation’s digital resilience.

The challenge invites participants to address six critical problem areas:

1. API Security
2. Data Security
3. Wearable Device Security and Privacy
4. Clone and Fake App Mitigation
5. AI for Threat Detection and Incident Response
6. Securing Next-Generation Biometric Systems

Participants will retain the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of their solutions, fostering ownership and scalability of homegrown innovations.

Registrations are now open, and details can be found on the challenge’s official website: https://innovateindia.mygov.in/cyber-security-grand-challenge/.

The challenge comprises four stages—Idea, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Final Product, and Go-to-Market—offering mentorship at every phase:

• Idea Stage: Six startups per problem statement (36 in total) will each receive ₹5 lakh.
• MVP Stage: Eighteen startups will receive ₹10 lakh each.
• Final Stage: Winners for each of the six problem statements will be awarded ₹25 lakh each.
• Go-to-Market Stage:
  • Platinum Winner: ₹1 crore
  • Gold Winner: ₹50 lakh
  • Silver Winner: ₹25 lakh

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with national goals: “CSGC 2.0 is a government-backed effort to foster innovative cybersecurity solutions. With a prize pool of ₹6.85 crore and mentorship support, it aligns with Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat. We look forward to participants leading the way in securing India’s digital journey.”

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, highlighted the need for continuous innovation: “Emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing require advanced cybersecurity solutions. CSGC 2.0 will provide momentum for ideation and innovation in this space.”

Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI, acknowledged government support: “We thank MeitY for hosting CSGC 2.0 and increasing the prize money to inspire innovation. With backing from government bodies, PSUs, and industry experts, this challenge is set to address critical cybersecurity issues.”

CSGC 2.0 aims to catalyze innovation and build capabilities to combat emerging threats, ensuring a secure digital future for India. By encouraging startups to develop indigenous solutions, the initiative underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity.