IIT Kanpur Launches National-Level Cybersecurity Hackathon
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has officially announced the launch of its national-level cybersecurity hackathon, titled HACK IITK 2026. This initiative aims to gather the brightest minds in cybersecurity, including students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, to innovate and develop solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Registration Details
Aspiring participants can register for the hackathon through the official platform at hackathon.c3ihub.iitk.ac.in. The deadline for registration is set for December 12, 2025.
Event Format
HACK IITK 2026 will be conducted in a hybrid format. The qualification and challenge rounds will take place online, while the Grand Finale is scheduled to be held at IIT Kanpur in February 2026. This year, the hackathon will utilize C3iHub’s in-house developed platform, C3iHub Arena, which is designed to provide a secure and efficient environment for participants.
Focus Areas
The theme for this year’s hackathon is Critical Infrastructure Security. Participants will have the opportunity to work on various focused subdomains, including:
- Network Security
- Cryptography & Secure Communication
- Hardware Security
- IoT Security
- AI Security
- Digital Forensics
- Automotive Security
- Cyber Crime
Competitive Tracks
This year’s edition features two competitive tracks:
- Capture the Flag (CTF) Track: A high-intensity challenge where participants solve security puzzles and vulnerabilities.
- Solution Track: Teams will tackle problem statements curated by cybersecurity experts and present their innovative solutions during the Grand Finale at IIT Kanpur.
Partners and Support
The HACK IITK 2026 event has garnered support from several partners:
- Knowledge Partner: Zscaler
- Technology Partners: SecuredApp, Saptang Labs, Cyethack Solutions, Forensic CyberTech, and Hommi Technovation
- Outreach Partner: Ideas Matter Most
About C3iHub
Conceptualized by researchers and engineers at C3iHub, along with faculty from IIT Kanpur, HACK IITK has evolved into a premier platform that promotes innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship in the field of cybersecurity. The event will feature a distinguished jury panel comprised of experts from academia, government, and industry who will evaluate participants’ solutions and identify the next generation of cybersecurity innovators.
Vision for Cybersecurity in India
Prof. Somitra Sandhya, Project Director of C3iHub, emphasized the importance of the hackathon by stating, “HACK IITK 2026 reflects our vision to nurture cybersecurity talent in India and foster practical problem-solving skills.” He added that the event provides a platform for students and young innovators to contribute toward strengthening India’s digital resilience.
Conclusion
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age, initiatives like HACK IITK 2026 play a crucial role in developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. This hackathon not only encourages innovation but also enhances the skill set of participants, preparing them for the challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.
Note: For more information and updates about HACK IITK 2026, please visit the official hackathon platform.
