IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is spearheading the IndiaAI Mission. This mission seeks to democratize AI's benefits across all sectors, bolster India’s global AI leadership, promote technological self-reliance, and ensure AI's ethical and responsible use. 

As part of this effort, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI) is driving innovation by promoting AI applications with the potential to catalyze socio-economic transformation in key sectors.

What:

The IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the growing threat of cybercrime using advanced AI solutions. Organized by IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the hackathon focuses on developing AI-driven tools to enhance the detection, prevention, and investigation of cybercrimes, particularly those affecting citizens. Participants are tasked with creating Natural Language Processing (NLP) models to help citizens file cybercrime reports more effectively through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Why:

With approximately 6,000 cybercrime cases reported daily in India, the hackathon serves as a critical step toward fortifying the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. As cyber threats evolve, AI is seen as a powerful tool to combat this growing menace. This hackathon not only seeks to create solutions to protect citizens from cyber fraud but also aims to foster innovation, technological self-reliance, and ethical AI use, further positioning India as a global AI leader.

When:

The IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon begins its journey on October 18, 2024, and runs through multiple stages. Participants must submit their applications by November 22, 2024. The results of the first round will be announced on December 9, 2024, followed by an in-person hackathon event for the top 20 teams on December 18, 2024. The pilot program and final winner announcement are scheduled for January 8, 2025.

Where:

The hackathon's initial phase will take place online, enabling participants from across India to join virtually. The second phase, for the top 20 teams, will be held in person over three days in New Delhi, where participants will work with NCRP datasets to build AI models. This offers a real-world environment for hands-on development and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Who:

The hackathon is open to a wide range of participants, including innovators, researchers, startups, and academic institutions from across India. Teams can include individuals from Indian companies, startups, or academic/R&D organizations such as IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Special incentives are available for all-women teams to encourage diversity in AI development.

How:

Participants will begin by building an NLP model for text analytics and classification based on victim descriptions of cybercrimes. The model will guide citizens through the process of reporting incidents on the NCRP, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. The hackathon progresses through three stages:

• Virtual Hackathon: Teams develop their initial AI models.
• In-Person Hackathon: The top 20 teams refine their models using real NCRP data.
• Pilot Program: The top 3 teams deploy their prototypes for final evaluation.

Winners will receive prizes of up to INR 25 lakhs, alongside opportunities for national-level deployment of their solutions.

The Hackathon will challenge participants to develop sophisticated AI solutions, focusing on Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. These models will analyze, classify, and improve the accuracy of citizen-reported cybercrime incidents on the NCRP platform.

Get Involved:

This hackathon is more than a competition—it’s a platform to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to India’s cybersecurity landscape. Don't miss your chance to be part of the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon and help safeguard citizens from cyber threats.

For more information and to apply, visit Application Form or contact:

• Email: fellow1.gpai-india@meity.gov.in or sudheer.reddy@meity.gov.in
• Subject line: "Queries for CyberGuard AI Hackathon - [Your Team's Name]"
• Submission Deadline: November 22, 2024.

This is your opportunity to be a part of India’s cybersecurity transformation through AI innovation!

For more information and to register, visit the IndiaAI portal.

Upcoming Webinars

Join us for two insightful webinars and learn more about the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon and gain valuable insights from industry experts on creating impactful AI solutions for cybersecurity.

Webinar 1: "Safeguarding India’s Digital Future - Dive into the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon"

Date: November 13, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM IST

Link: Enter here

Webinar 2: "Advanced AI Insights for Cybersecurity - IndiaAI Cyberguard AI Hackathon"

Date: November 18, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM IST

Link: Enter here