IIT Delhi to Host Hackathon on Cybersecurity Ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026
New Delhi, December 30, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the cybersecurity think tank CyberPeace, has announced the launch of the E-Raksha Hackathon 2026. This national-level event is designed to focus on cybersecurity, defense AI, and digital safety.
Event Overview
The E-Raksha Hackathon will take place from January 16 to 18, 2026, at IIT Delhi. This 36-hour hackathon is part of BECon’26, the institute’s annual entrepreneurship conclave, and serves as a pre-summit event leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Objectives of the Hackathon
The primary goal of the hackathon is to bring together student innovators from across the country to develop deployable solutions that address emerging digital threats. Participants will engage in various domains, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Threat Detection
- Blockchain Technology
- Secure Software Development
Problem Statements
Participants will work on specific problem statements that focus on:
- Agentic AI for securing home Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Detecting deep fakes
Collaboration with CyberPeace
Major Vineet Kumar, founder of CyberPeace, emphasized that the hackathon aims to promote responsible AI, digital trust, and cybersecurity through broad stakeholder engagement. This collaboration is expected to yield practical, scalable solutions that address defense-related issues and enhance national security.
Prizes and Recognition
The winning solutions from the hackathon will be showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 10 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes totaling Rs 3 lakh.
Significance of the Event
The E-Raksha Hackathon is significant for several reasons:
- Promoting Innovation: The event encourages innovative thinking among students, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving.
- Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges: As digital threats become increasingly sophisticated, this hackathon aims to develop solutions that can mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity.
- Building a Network: Participants will have the chance to connect with industry experts, mentors, and fellow innovators, creating valuable networking opportunities.
Conclusion
IIT Delhi’s initiative to host the E-Raksha Hackathon 2026 highlights the institution’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in cybersecurity and AI. By engaging students in practical, real-world problem-solving, the hackathon not only aims to enhance national security but also to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the announcement made by IIT Delhi and CyberPeace regarding the upcoming hackathon and is subject to change as the event approaches.
