Join the CyberGuard AI Hackathon: A Call to Innovators, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs

In an era where digital threats loom larger than ever, the need for innovative solutions to combat cybercrime has never been more pressing. IndiaAI, under the aegis of the Digital India Corporation (DIC) and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is inviting innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to participate in the CyberGuard AI Hackathon. This initiative is part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI), aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance cybersecurity and protect citizens from the growing menace of cyber fraud.

About the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon

IndiaAI serves as the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aspires to democratize the benefits of AI across all sections of society. The mission’s core objectives include bolstering India’s global leadership in AI, fostering technological self-reliance, and ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. The IADI specifically focuses on promoting the development and deployment of AI applications in critical sectors that can lead to significant socio-economic transformation.

In a strategic partnership with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, IndiaAI aims to leverage AI to enhance the efficiency of preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime. The I4C manages the National Cybercrime Report Portal (NCRP), which provides a comprehensive framework for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to effectively tackle cybercrime.

The Need for CyberGuard AI Hackathon

With approximately 6,000 cybercrime cases reported daily through the NCRP, the urgency to develop robust AI-driven solutions is paramount. The CyberGuard AI Hackathon seeks to address this challenge by inviting participants to create innovative technologies that can significantly improve cybersecurity measures and combat the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals.

This hackathon is not merely a competition; it is a collaborative platform for learning and innovation in one of the most critical areas of technology today. Participants will have the opportunity to design and implement advanced AI models that can enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity protocols, ultimately contributing to the safety and welfare of citizens.

Key Information

Theme

The primary theme of the CyberGuard AI Hackathon is the development of a Natural Language Processing (NLP) model. This model will guide citizens in accurately filing cybercrime reports on the NCRP by conducting real-time analysis of the descriptions and supporting media files uploaded by users.

Major Milestones

The hackathon will unfold in three stages:

• Stage 1: A virtual hackathon where participants can showcase their initial ideas and prototypes.
• Stage 2: An in-person, three-day hackathon for the top 20 teams, with travel and logistics provided.
• Stage 3: A pilot program for the top three teams to further refine and implement their solutions.

Prizes and Incentives

The CyberGuard AI Hackathon offers substantial rewards for participants:

• First Prize: Up to INR 25 Lakhs and the opportunity to develop a solution for national rollout.
• Second Prize: Up to INR 7 Lakhs.
• Third Prize: Up to INR 3 Lakhs.
• Special Prize: An additional INR 5 Lakhs for all-women teams, in addition to the top three prizes.

Submission Guidelines

To participate in the CyberGuard AI Hackathon, interested individuals and teams are encouraged to download the comprehensive submission guidelines document available here.

Link to the Form

To submit your application, please follow this link: Application Form. Upon clicking the link, you will be directed to a sign-up page. After logging in, you will gain access to the application form.

For any queries related to the CyberGuard AI Hackathon, please reach out to the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative team at:

• Email: fellow1.gpai-india@meity.gov.in or sudheer.reddy@meity.gov.in
• Subject line: "Queries for CyberGuard AI Hackathon – [Your Team’s Name]"

Last Date for Form Submission

The deadline for submitting your application form is 7th November 2024. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and contribute to India’s AI and cybersecurity landscape. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative initiative!

The CyberGuard AI Hackathon represents a significant step towards leveraging AI for the greater good, enhancing cybersecurity, and protecting citizens from the threats posed by cybercrime. Join us in this exciting journey to innovate and create impactful solutions that can make a difference in society!