Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) takes immense pride in announcing the launch of the highly anticipated Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC) 2.0 being implemented by Data Security Council of India (DSCI) in collaboration with MyGov.
About Cyber Security Challenge 2.O
The Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 aims to identify and support innovative cybersecurity startups in India. This initiative focuses on addressing critical cybersecurity challenges through a multi-stage competition.
Key features of CSGC 2.0 include expanded recognition for early-stage startups, a new “Go-To-Market” stage for further support, a substantial prize fund of INR 6.85 Crores, and access to valuable mentorship. This comprehensive approach aims to nurture a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem in India.
Problem Statements
The aim of this Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.O is to foster innovation and strengthen India’s cybersecurity capabilities through addressing the given 6 key critical problems:
- API Security
- Data Security
- Wearable Device Security and Privacy
- Clone and Fake App Mitigation
- AI for Threat Detection & Incident Response
- Security Next-Generation Biometric Systems
Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.O
| Events | Dates |
| Challenge Registration Starting Date | 15th January 2025 |
| Challenge Registration Closing Date | 14th February 2025 |
| Idea Stage Result | 17th March 2025 |
| Minimum Viable Product Submission Last Date | 16th May 2025 |
| Minimum Viable Product Result Last Date | 16th June 2025 |
| Final Product Submission Last Date | 1st September 2025 |
| Final Product Stage Result Date | 1st October 2025 |
| Go to Market Stage Last Date | 17th November 2025 |
| Go to Market Stage Final Result | 2nd December 2025 |
| Award Ceremony Announcement | To be Announced |
Eligibility Criteria
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to participate
- Ideas/Products should not violate / breach / copy any product already launched and /
or copyrighted or patented. - IPR/Patent registered for the product or part of the product (if any) should be owned
by the nominating Indian entity. The product submitted should have been designed
and developed in India. - Participating team has to mandatorily register as entity as per following guidelines on
being shortlisted at MVP stage of CSGC 2.0
Read the Eligibility in Detail Here
Rules and Guidelines
The Rules and Guidelines for the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0:
Team Structure:
- One team leader (SPOC) who cannot be changed.
- Team size: 1-4 members (including the leader).
Communication:
- All communication with the organizing committee will be through the registered email ID.
Submissions:
- Each startup can submit only one idea per problem statement. Only one idea per startup will be shortlisted.
Development:
- Outsourcing development is prohibited.
- Disclosure of any external help is mandatory.
Documentation: Teams must maintain detailed documentation of their work.
Evaluation: Jury will assess submissions, conduct presentations, and ensure fairness.
Prize Money: Taxes will be applicable as per prevailing rules.
Dispute Resolution: Decisions of the designated MeitY committee will be final.
Intellectual Property: Solutions must not violate existing copyrights or patents.
Non-Compliance: Non-compliance may lead to disqualification.
Read the Rules and Guidelines in Detail Here.
Prize Money
The Prize Money at different stage will be different:
| Stages | Prize Money |
| Idea Stage | Rs. 5 Lakhs (from each problem statements 6 winners will get 5 lakhs) |
| MVP Stage | Rs. 10 Lakhs (3 winners from each problem statement) |
| Problem Statement Winner | Rs. 25 Lakhs (1 winner from each problem statement) |
| Grand Winners | Rs. 1 Crore Rs. 50 Lakhs to 1st Runner-Up Rs. 25 Lakhs to 2nd Runner-Up |
In case of any query you can reach out to cs-grandchallenge2@meity.gov.in.
Stay connected by joining us on our WhatsApp Channel Here.