IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub hosts Startup Demo Day 2025 in Delhi, unveiling five pioneering cybersecurity products and boosting India’s technological self-reliance.
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation. Carrying that legacy forward, its technology innovation hub, C3iHub, organised the much-anticipated Startup Demo Day 2025 – ‘Connect 1.0’ in New Delhi. The event was more than just a showcase of ideas; it represented India’s growing ambition to become technologically self-reliant, particularly in the field of cybersecurity and deep-tech.
The initiative highlighted C3iHub’s mission of driving technological sovereignty—ensuring that the innovations crucial for India’s digital and cyber future are not only conceptualized but also designed, built, and deployed within the country’s ecosystem. By creating a platform where entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors could interact, the event demonstrated how collective efforts can accelerate India’s transformation into a global hub for technology-driven solutions.
A Gathering of Visionaries
The Demo Day was inaugurated by Navin Kumar Singh, IPS, National Cybersecurity Coordinator of India (NCSC). His presence underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s cybersecurity framework at a time when digital threats are growing in both scale and complexity. Leaders from government, academia, industry, and the investor community joined the event, signaling the importance of collaborative action in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.
Such gatherings are critical for startups, as they not only provide visibility but also open doors to potential collaborations, funding opportunities, and mentorship. For India, where cybersecurity challenges are evolving rapidly, these platforms ensure that homegrown startups are empowered to build resilient, scalable solutions.
Launch of Five Breakthrough Products
The highlight of Connect 1.0 was the unveiling of five innovative products developed by startups incubated under C3iHub. These startups are working on solutions that address pressing challenges in cybersecurity, surveillance, deep technology, and threat mitigation. With India witnessing exponential digital adoption across sectors—finance, healthcare, defense, and governance—the timing of these launches could not be more significant.
These products not only showcased the technical depth and entrepreneurial spirit of the startups but also sent a strong message that India is ready to shape its own future in the domain of cyber resilience. Each product represented a unique stride in ensuring that the nation is equipped with indigenous solutions, reducing dependence on imported technologies and enhancing national security.
C3iHub’s Role and Vision
C3iHub was established as part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Its core focus is on incubating startups and fostering innovations that tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity.
Reflecting on the hub’s vision, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized that C3iHub was created to develop and deploy cybersecurity technologies at scale. He explained that the hub not only nurtures innovation but also ensures that these solutions are market-ready and can be integrated into India’s critical infrastructure.
Prof. Agrawal also stressed on the importance of synergy between the government, academia, and industry, along with the role of both public and private investments in sustaining innovation. “With increased support from multiple stakeholders, we are enabling startups to pioneer the next big advancements. Our ultimate goal is to make India self-reliant in cyber infrastructure and security solutions,” he said.
Shaping India’s Technological Future
The Demo Day wasn’t just about product launches; it was about setting the stage for India’s future in the digital era. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, having indigenous capabilities is crucial for protecting sensitive data, securing national assets, and ensuring the trust of citizens in digital systems.
Events like Connect 1.0 create momentum for startups by giving them recognition, credibility, and opportunities to collaborate. More importantly, they instill confidence in young entrepreneurs that India is ready to back their ideas with institutional and policy support.
Conclusion
The Startup Demo Day 2025 by C3iHub at IIT Kanpur marked a significant step forward in India’s journey toward technological independence. By showcasing innovative, homegrown products in cybersecurity and deep-tech, it not only celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators but also demonstrated how academia, government, and industry can come together to create lasting impact.
As India aspires to be a global leader in cybersecurity and digital innovation, initiatives like these will play a decisive role in ensuring that the country is not just a consumer of technology but a creator of world-class solutions.
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