C3iHub IIT Kanpur Cybersecurity Startup Incubation Program – Cohort VII
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Quick Answer
C3iHub at IIT Kanpur backs early-stage cybersecurity startups with up to ₹30 lakh over two years, plus mentorship and co-working space.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- C3iHub, IIT Kanpur
- Application deadline
- Closes today
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
The C3iHub IIT Kanpur Cybersecurity Start-up Incubation Program, now in its seventh cohort, is a flagship initiative designed to nurture and accelerate early-stage startups that are developing innovative products, technologies, and solutions in the critical domain of cybersecurity. C3iHub, also known as IHUB NTIHAC FOUNDATION, is a Section 8 company operating under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), guided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The hub is renowned for its commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and development in cybersecurity.
This program is jointly organized with 'FIRST' (FOUNDATION FOR INNOVATION & RESEARCH IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY), a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) also promoted by IIT Kanpur and recognized by DST. FIRST leverages the advanced facilities at IIT Kanpur and its Outreach Centre in Noida to promote and incubate technology-driven, knowledge-based, and innovation-focused startups. SIIC IIT Kanpur, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, serves as the incubation partner, providing robust support and facilitating access to the broader IIT Kanpur ecosystem.
The core objective of the program is to empower startups dedicated to solving complex challenges in cybersecurity and allied deep-tech domains. It provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to build, validate, and scale their innovations within a supportive academic and industrial environment. Beyond financial support, selected startups gain unparalleled access to IIT Kanpur's world-class ecosystem, expert technical and business mentorship from faculty, industry leaders, and defense experts, and strategic partnership opportunities. The program is particularly keen on startups developing solutions for critical infrastructure, defense, data security, and national cyber resilience, encouraging those with a strong emphasis on strategic and national security to apply. It aims to elevate promising ventures to the next level, contributing to India's cyber security landscape.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) is the startup incubator at IIT Kanpur. It was established in 2000 and now operates under the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), IIT Kanpur. It works from two sites: the IIT Kanpur campus at…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected startups receive up to ₹30 lakh over two years: a ₹20 lakh grant and a ₹10 lakh fellowship. The call describes this funding as equity-based, but does not publish the equity terms — ask startup@c3ihub.iitk.ac.in before you commit.
Other support:
- Mentorship from faculty, industry and defence experts
- Go-to-market and product piloting support
- Networking with industry stakeholders
- Co-working space through SIIC IIT Kanpur
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the C3iHub Cybersecurity Startup Incubation Program is structured to identify high-potential early-stage startups. Initially, applications submitted via the Google Form are reviewed by an Evaluation Committee constituted by C3iHub. This committee assesses the initial submission for its innovative potential and relevance to the cybersecurity domain. Subsequently, shortlisted startups are invited to present their ventures through a pitch presentation to the same Evaluation Committee. During this stage, startups are critically evaluated based on several key criteria: the novelty and relevance of their cybersecurity solution, its market and growth potential, its alignment with C3iHub's emerging cybersecurity focus areas, the capabilities and commitment of the founding team, and the current product stage and market readiness. The ultimate decision for selection rests with an Expert Committee, which makes the final choices based on the startup's overall alignment with the program’s objectives and its potential for mutual growth and impact within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Application Process
- 1
Fill Google Form
Submit your application through the official Google Form provided.
You - 2
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- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C3iHub Cybersecurity Startup Incubation Program?
An incubation program by C3iHub IIT Kanpur and its incubator FIRST, with SIIC IIT Kanpur as incubation partner, for early-stage startups building cybersecurity and allied deep-tech products.
What kind of funding is offered?
Up to ₹30 lakh over two years: a ₹20 lakh grant and a ₹10 lakh fellowship. The call says the funding is equity-based but does not publish the equity terms, so ask startup@c3ihub.iitk.ac.in for details.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Startups registered in India as a private limited company with at least one full-time founder. Startups under 3 years old are preferred, but that is not a strict cutoff.
What are the key benefits for selected startups?
Selected startups receive up to ₹30 lakh in equity-based funding, technical and business mentorship from experts, go-to-market and product piloting support, networking opportunities with industry stakeholders, and access to co-working spaces through SIIC IIT Kanpur. They also gain access to the broader IIT Kanpur ecosystem for innovation and growth.
What is the application process?
Applicants need to fill out an online Google Form. The submitted forms are reviewed by an Evaluation Committee. Shortlisted startups will then be invited to give a pitch presentation to the committee, followed by a final selection by an Expert Committee based on various criteria including solution novelty, market potential, team capability, and product readiness.
Which cybersecurity areas are preferred?
The program prefers startups working on trending and emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as Mobile Security, Mobile Forensics, Privacy Enhancing Technologies, Automotive Security, Supply Chain Security, Threat Intelligence, Security of AI-ML, and LLM security. Startups focusing on strategic and national security are highly encouraged.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
