IIT Delhi Partners with CyberPeace to Host National Cybersecurity Hackathon
New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has announced a collaboration with CyberPeace, a prominent domestic think tank, to organize a national-level hackathon focused on cybersecurity, defense AI, and digital safety. This event, known as the eRaksha Hackathon 2026, is scheduled to take place from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the IIT Delhi campus.
Event Overview
The eRaksha Hackathon 2026 is part of IIT Delhi’s annual entrepreneurship conclave, BECon’26, and serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated AI Impact Summit 2026. This hackathon aims to bring together student innovators from across the country to devise deployable solutions that address emerging digital threats.
Focus Areas
During the 36-hour hackathon, participants will be challenged to work on advanced topics, including:
- Agentic AI systems
- Deepfake detection
- Internet of Things (IoT) security
- Edge-based security architectures
Participants will tackle problem statements such as:
- Designing intelligent systems capable of autonomously securing home IoT devices.
- Developing AI-driven methods to detect manipulated media and verify content authenticity.
Mentorship and Support
Officials indicated that industry and academic mentors will be available to assist teams in developing innovative and scalable solutions for real-world challenges. This mentorship will provide students with invaluable insights into the latest cybersecurity practices and applications of artificial intelligence.
Skills Development
The hackathon is designed not only to foster innovation but also to enhance participants’ skills in:
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Rapid prototyping
By engaging in this event, students will gain hands-on experience that is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Networking Opportunities
In addition to skill development, the eRaksha Hackathon will provide participants with national visibility and networking opportunities with industry leaders. This exposure is essential for aspiring professionals looking to make a mark in the field of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Showcasing Solutions
Selected teams will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, further enhancing their visibility and potential for collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Prizes and Recognition
To encourage participation and innovation, teams that demonstrate exceptional solutions will be eligible for cash prizes. This incentive aims to motivate participants to push their creative boundaries and develop impactful solutions.
Conclusion
The eRaksha Hackathon 2026 represents a significant step towards fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among students in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. By partnering with CyberPeace, IIT Delhi is paving the way for a new generation of tech-savvy professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 31, 2025, and is intended for informational purposes only.
