IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub Showcases Cybersecurity Startups at Delhi Demo Day
India is taking another bold step in cybersecurity innovation. The C3iHub of IIT Kanpur, one of the country’s leading technology innovation hubs, is set to host a Cybersecurity Startup Demo Day in Delhi on August 21–22, 2025. The event aims to bring together government officials, startup founders, investors, academia, and industry leaders to spotlight India’s emerging cybersecurity technologies.
What is C3iHub?
The C3iHub (Cybersecurity and Cyber-Physical Systems Innovation Hub) was founded under the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems to accelerate security innovation in critical areas such as:
- Threat detection and response
- Blockchain-based security
- IoT and network protection
- Identity and access management
- Cyber-physical infrastructure safety
Over the years, it has nurtured more than 70 startups, many of which now serve government defense, finance, and telecom sectors.
Why a Cybersecurity Demo Day Now?
India’s digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, with digital payments, smart cities, and AI adoption growing at lightning pace. This also means cyber threats are multiplying.
Recent reports by CERT-In (India’s cybersecurity watchdog) highlighted a 35% year-on-year increase in ransomware and phishing attacks targeting Indian firms in 2024–25. With rising geopolitical cyber risks, the government is prioritizing domestic innovation.
The Demo Day is timed to:
- Provide startups visibility with government procurement agencies.
- Facilitate investor-startup partnerships.
- Showcase India’s ability to lead in cybersecurity exports.
What to Expect at the Event
The Demo Day will feature:
- Startup Pitches – More than 25 cybersecurity startups will present their products live, ranging from AI-based threat detection to privacy-preserving tools.
- Panel Discussions – Sessions with leaders from the Ministry of Electronics & IT, defense establishments, and global cybersecurity firms.
- Investor Meetups – Venture capital firms and corporate investors scouting for opportunities in India’s fast-growing cyber sector.
- Product Launches – A few startups are expected to unveil beta versions of next-gen firewalls and AI-native authentication systems.
Expert Perspectives
Cybersecurity experts believe the event could act as a launchpad for global recognition.
Dr. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated:
“Our goal is to create a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem in India. Startups here are building solutions that can protect not just India, but global digital infrastructure.”
Investor Anita Sharma, partner at a Delhi-based VC fund, commented:
“Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s the backbone of digital economies. The Demo Day gives us early access to some of the most innovative ideas we’ve seen.”
The Growing Importance of Indian Cybersecurity Startups
India is uniquely positioned:
- Talent Advantage – IITs and engineering institutions produce thousands of cybersecurity engineers annually.
- Market Demand – Indian enterprises, banks, and public institutions are investing heavily in defense.
- Global Alignment – With data protection and AI governance rising worldwide, Indian startups have opportunities to export solutions.
Some notable success stories from C3iHub include startups developing cyber forensics software for police departments, real-time fraud detection for fintechs, and satellite cybersecurity systems.
Broader Impact on India’s Tech Ecosystem
The Demo Day could have several ripple effects:
- Policy Integration – Government officials may adopt showcased tools into public sector deployments.
- Funding Boost – Early-stage cybersecurity ventures may secure critical funding rounds.
- Global Outreach – With international delegates attending, Indian startups may expand beyond domestic markets.
This aligns with India’s larger ambition of becoming a global cybersecurity hub, much like how Bengaluru became synonymous with software outsourcing in the 2000s.
Future Outlook
Post Demo Day, C3iHub is expected to announce new accelerator programs for selected startups, provide access to government pilot projects, and foster global partnerships.
If successful, the Delhi Demo Day could become an annual flagship event, much like CES for electronics or Mobile World Congress for telecom.
