In response to the complex nature of threats the cyberspace deals with, the industry is expected to grow from $75 billion to $170 billion in the next five years, thereby skyrocketing the need for trained cybersecurity professionals. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) has proactively set up the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE).
What is the Cybersecurity CoE?
The Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE) is a glocal hub based in Hyderabad designed to catalyze innovation, entrepreneurship, and capability building in cybersecurity and privacy. It is a joint initiative of the Government of Telangana and DSCI, established to create a safe, secure, and trusted cyberspace. The CCoE’s objective is to build best practices, standards, and execute initiatives in the cybersecurity and privacy domain.
The Launch of the Cybersecurity CoE Facility
The Cybersecurity CoE nurtures a culture of innovation and has taken a vital step towards this initiative by setting up the Cybersecurity CoE facility. The facility was launched on January 28, 2020, by Shri K.T. Rama Rao, Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana. The Cybersecurity CoE supports the cybersecurity ecosystem by incubating start-ups, conducting trainings/workshops/events, showcasing products in the experience zone, hosting delegations, and enabling access to local, national, and international initiatives.
Cybersecurity CoE Facility's Founding Partners
DSCI (Data Security Council of India)
Set up by NASSCOM in 2008, DSCI is a not-for-profit, premier industry body on data protection in India, committed to making cyberspace safe, secure, and trusted by establishing best practices, standards, and initiatives in cybersecurity and privacy. It engages with governments and their agencies, regulators, industry sectors, industry associations, and think tanks for policy advocacy, thought leadership, capacity building, and outreach activities. DSCI aims to increase India's share in the global security product and services market through global trade development initiatives and strengthen the security and privacy culture in India.
The Government of Telangana
The Government of Telangana promotes innovation and entrepreneurship with a vision to position Telangana as the most preferred investment destination in India. It facilitates collaborative and innovative technology solutions while planning for future growth and enhancing the quality of life. As a part of this effort, the government has set up the Cybersecurity CoE to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including industry and educational institutes, to uplift the cybersecurity ecosystem. The state government has released a unique policy on cybersecurity that offers attractive fiscal incentives to start-ups, including performance-linked incentives, cost reimbursements, recruitment assistance, and R&D grants.
Features of the Cybersecurity CoE Incubation Facility
The facility is set up to meet the Cybersecurity CoE’s need to facilitate and nurture innovation. Through its incubation programs, it aims to help cybersecurity product start-ups overcome high mortality rates in the market and navigate the rapidly evolving Indian cybersecurity landscape.
Key Offerings:
- Physical and virtual incubation programs with several hard and soft benefits.
- Infrastructure to enable growth.
- An environment for insightful discussions.
- Collaboration with organizations across industries.
- Guidance on innovation and capacity building.
- Acceleration programs and industry hackathons.
- Access to top-notch experts and mentors in cybersecurity.
Who Can Benefit From This Incubation Facility?
The facility offers incubation to early-stage start-ups with MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and to innovative and disruptive companies with cybersecurity solutions. It supports the development of start-ups by providing them with advisory and administrative support to potentially transform them into successful firms capable of thriving in the market independently.
Physical and Virtual Incubation:
The incubation facility supports the growth of selected cybersecurity and privacy products and services start-ups via its focused physical and virtual incubation programs. It grants access to superior resources, technology, talent, and networks to unlock potential and create business value. The virtual incubation program benefits cybersecurity start-ups worldwide that cannot be physically present in the Telangana facility. The facility impacts start-ups by providing a network of industry experts.
CTA for Applications & How to Apply:
Currently, the incubation facility is reaching out to cybersecurity product start-ups and accepting applications for its focused physical and virtual incubation programs. The facility is in Hyderabad. If physical relocation is not an option, start-ups can opt for the virtual incubation facility. Interested start-ups can apply via the following links:
Once applications are received, the applicants are shortlisted via a screening process. The selected start-ups are incubated either physically or virtually, depending on their application. The facility nurtures their development through its high-impact programs, providing constant access to qualified mentors, trainers, and professionals to increase their chances of market success.
For any queries, please write to marketing.ccoe@dsci.in or visit ccoe.dsci.in.
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