NEW DELHI: The IndiaAI Mission, a national initiative driving artificial intelligence innovation, has announced the top 20 finalists in its CyberGuard AI Hackathon. Among the contenders is CloudSEK , a leading cybersecurity firm, joining a cohort of startups, academic institutions, and research organizations vying to develop AI-powered solutions to combat cybercrime.
This hackathon, launched in collaboration with Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), aims to harness the power of AI to bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. With cybercrime on the rise, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) receiving approximately 6,000 complaints daily, the need for effective and efficient solutions is critical. By doing so, it aligns with India’s vision of utilizing AI for inclusive growth and citizen welfare.
IndiaAI and I4C’s Vision for a Cyber-Secure Future
The IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon underscores the strategic importance of AI in tackling modern-day challenges. Designed to enhance efficiencies in cybercrime prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution, this initiative aims to safeguard individuals and institutions alike.
The hackathon attracted a staggering 263 submissions from esteemed academic institutions, startups, research organizations, and civil society groups. A multi-stakeholder committee, equipped with technical expertise, meticulously evaluated these proposals, ultimately shortlisting 20 teams for the next phase.
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Spotlight on the Shortlisted Teams
Among the standout participants is CloudSEK Information Security Limited, a leader in cybersecurity innovation. Their team, led by Lasya Ippagunta, exemplifies the hackathon’s goal of harnessing technology to enhance cyber defenses.
Another notable finalist is mFilterIt, whose team, led by Jagannathan Arumugam and supported by members such as Kaushambi Chandel and Ebin Jose Mathew, brings a cutting-edge approach to combating cyber fraud. Known for its expertise in digital fraud detection, mFilterIt is poised to make a significant impact.
The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), an institution at the forefront of forensic research, has also advanced with two teams. One team, led by Devanshu Sharma, and another headed by Sanya Arora, highlight the university’s commitment to integrating AI into cyber investigations.
Shortlisted Teams and Details
| Sl. No. | Team Lead | Team Members | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shivanshu Dwivedi | Datti Sai Kumar, Chavala Srikanth, Sai Prashanth, Abhishek Kumar | Predulive Innovations Pvt. Ltd. |
| 2 | Harsh Raj | Kalpitha S Naik, Priyanshu Sachdeva, Khushi DK, Rajatha | Ramaiah Institute of Technology |
| 3 | Santhosh Kumar.R | Sakthivel.R, Rishi Kumar.A | Anna University |
| 4 | Govind Dubey | Ankit Kumar, Parmeet Sandhu | Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar |
| 5 | Meet Bisht | Rohit Ganaka, Monika Chand, Yukta Chauhan | Voldebug Innovations Pvt. Ltd |
| 6 | Lasya Ippagunta | Apurv Singh, Shubham Luharuka, Puneet Hegde, Sravanthi Pillalamarri, Faizah Feroz, HS Manoj Kumar | CloudSEK Information Security Limited |
| 7 | Rina Mishra | Shreya Singh, Khushi Verma | IIT Jammu |
| 8 | Aditya Singh | Mohak Gupta | Bharati Vidyapeeth University College of Engineering |
| 9 | Nisarg Gandhi | Darshan Patel, Kevin Bhensdadiya | S4AI Technologies LLP |
| 10 | Devanshu Sharma | Vineet Bhandari | National Forensic Sciences University, New Delhi |
| 11 | Jagannathan Arumugam | Kaushambi Chandel, Ebin Jose Mathew, Yakkanti Tulasi Kishore Reddy, Ankit Birla | mFilterIt |
| 12 | Pranav Venkatesh Jambur | Nikita S Raj Kapini, Nischal R E, Poturi Anirudh Sai | R. V. College of Engineering |
| 13 | Chirag Aggarwal | Vaibhavee Singh, Yajnaseni Dash | Bennett University |
| 14 | Sanya Arora | Vibhavasu Bhardwaj | National Forensic Sciences University |
| 15 | K N S Sri Harshith | Keshav Memorial Institute of Technology | |
| 16 | Suman Samui | Agnivo Ghosh, Rahul Dey, Sankalpa Das | National Institute of Technology Durgapur |
| 17 | Shivam Pal | Simran Titoria, Vijay Lohani | Athenian Tech |
| 18 | Suriya E | Amadeus Software Labs | |
| 19 | Arjun T. D | Srinivas, Siddharth, Dr Anand Kumar M | National Institute of Technology, Karnataka |
| 20 | Aditi Singh | Riva Jain, Palak Garg | Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology |
The shortlist also includes participants from IIT Jammu, showcasing the institution’s stronghold in AI research and application, further reinforcing India’s potential in technological advancements.
Advancing India’s Leadership in AI
This hackathon is more than just a competition; it is a step toward solidifying India’s global leadership in AI. The IndiaAI Mission, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the driving force behind this initiative.
By democratizing the benefits of AI and ensuring its ethical and responsible use, the mission envisions a technologically self-reliant India. The focus on cybersecurity through initiatives like the CyberGuard AI Hackathon highlights the nation’s commitment to addressing critical challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
What’s Next for the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon?
The shortlisted teams will now advance to Stage 2, where they will refine their solutions under expert guidance. This process will culminate in the selection of groundbreaking AI solutions that promise to revolutionize how India tackles cyber threats.
As the world grapples with the rising tide of cyber fraud and crimes, IndiaAI’s proactive approach serves as a beacon of hope. By fostering innovation and collaboration, initiatives like the CyberGuard AI Hackathon pave the way for a safer digital future.
CloudSEK and the other finalists exemplify India’s talent and determination in leveraging AI for the greater good. With initiatives like the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon, the nation is addressing its cybersecurity challenges and setting a benchmark for global standards in AI-driven innovation. As these 20 teams gear up for the next phase, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see the transformative impact of their solutions.