Power System Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration
The Power System Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 concluded successfully on October 15th, marking a vibrant two-day event that celebrated innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Hosted by the Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRD&M) and the Centre for Sustainable Energy at IIT Roorkee, in association with iHub DivyaSampark and THDC India Limited, the hackathon focused on finding innovative solutions to secure power systems from cyber threats. Participants hailed from prestigious institutions such as IITs, NITs, and various government and private organizations across India, reflecting a broad spectrum of talent and expertise.
A Month and a Half of Preparation
The hackathon spanned over a month and a half, during which participants engaged in various rounds of online scrutiny. From a pool of highly competitive entries, ten teams were shortlisted, showcasing the best of innovative cybersecurity solutions. The final phase of the hackathon took place over two days—October 14th and 15th—at the picturesque campus of IIT Roorkee.
Day One: Presentations and Demonstrations
The event kicked off on October 14th with poster presentations, followed by live demonstrations where the ten shortlisted teams showcased their projects. These teams had been working tirelessly to develop cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect the power sector from vulnerabilities and attacks. Each team brought unique perspectives and ideas to the table, demonstrating their technical prowess and creativity.
Day Two: Celebrating Achievements
The second day of the hackathon, October 15th, was dedicated to the prize distribution and felicitation ceremony, where the final winners were announced and honored. The ceremony began with a welcome address by Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah, Hackathon Coordinator and Head of WRD&M. He emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and highlighted how such initiatives can drive innovation and strengthen the power sector.
Following this, Prof. Soumitra Satapathi, Head of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, introduced the participants to ongoing research activities and encouraged collaboration on future projects in the field of cybersecurity and sustainable energy.
Acknowledging Innovation and Excellence
Prof. Abdul Saleem Mir, Hackathon Coordinator from the Electrical Engineering Department, provided an overview of the hackathon process, tracing the journey from online rounds to offline demonstrations. He praised the participants for their innovative approaches and efforts throughout the event.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a special book titled ‘Research Metrics of Hydro-Electric Systems Group of WRD&M Dept.’ by the guests, highlighting the research accomplishments of the Hydropower Simulation Lab (HSL) and Power Electronics & Hydroelectric Machines (PEHEM) Laboratories.
Recognizing the Winners
The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived with the announcement of the hackathon winners. The top three teams were recognized for their outstanding contributions, with prizes awarded by Prof. Deepak Khare, Chief Guest and Dean of Finance and Planning at IIT Roorkee. Prof. Khare emphasized the national importance of cybersecurity in the power sector, citing examples such as the 2021 Mumbai blackout and aligning the event with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The winners were as follows:
- Winner: Subal Beura and Amit Kumar from IIT Ropar, receiving a prize of ₹40,000.
- First Runner-Up: Shewtank Agarwal and Ashish Kumar from IIT Roorkee, awarded ₹25,000.
- Second Runner-Up: Prabhat Kumar Vidyarthi and Sugandha Kumari from NIT Patna, with a prize of ₹16,000.
In addition to the top three prizes, three teams were recognized for their innovative solutions with ₹8,000 each, and four teams received consolation prizes of ₹5,000 each.
A Cultural Experience
After the event, participants were taken on an industrial tour to the Pathri Power House in Haridwar, where they witnessed hydropower generation systems in action. This was followed by a visit to Har Ki Pauri, where they experienced the cultural significance of the location and participated in the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual and mesmerizing ritual.
Gratitude and Future Endeavors
The organizing committee extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, faculty members, sponsors, and industrial partners who contributed to making this event a grand success. The Director of IIT Roorkee, Prof. K.K. Pant, sent a congratulatory message to all participants, praising their innovative solutions and teamwork. He commended the organizing team for their dedication and successful execution of the event, expressing hope for more impactful initiatives in the future.
Conclusion
The Power System Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 not only showcased the remarkable talent of young innovators but also highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in the power sector. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, events like these play a vital role in fostering collaboration and innovation to address the challenges posed by cyber threats. The future looks promising, and with continued efforts, the power sector can be better equipped to face the challenges ahead.