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hackathon

IIT Kanpur Introduces B Cyber Programme; Admissions Through JEE Main and Cybersecurity Assessment

/ Education Community

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B Cyber), commencing from the 2026-27 academic session. The four-year degree will be offered through the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, with the first batch set to begin classes in July 2026. Unlike traditional IIT undergraduate programmes, admission to the B Cyber course will not require a JEE Advanced score. Instead, applicants will be shortlisted based on their performance in JEE Main along with demonstrated experience or accomplishments in the field of cybersecurity. Selected candidates will then undergo an in-person evaluation at the IIT Kanpur campus, which will include a cybersecurity-focused hackathon. The programme has been structured to blend academic learning with practical industry exposure. During the first two years, students will study core cybersecurity concepts through classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and hands-on training designed to build strong theoretical and technical foundations. In the final two years, students will undertake internships with government security agencies, gaining real-world experience by working on cybersecurity projects and addressing critical security challenges. IIT Kanpur stated that the programme has been introduced to address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals amid increasing concerns around digital security and the protection of critical infrastructure. IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal emphasized the strategic importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national and digital assets. Nitin Saxena, Dean of the Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, said the initiative aims to create industry-ready professionals by combining rigorous academic education with extensive practical training. The institute also announced that a dedicated admission portal for the programme is currently under development and is expected to be launched next week. Comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and application guidelines will be available on the website. Source: Indian Express

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MEGHA Project from India Wins Top Prize at Harvard’s AI for Good Hackathon

/ Governance Community

In a significant global recognition for inclusive technology, the MEGHA (Meghalaya E-Governance Human-centred Assistance) project has secured first place at the Kennedy AI for Good Hackathon held at Harvard Kennedy School. The AI-powered, voice-first initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling rural citizens in Meghalaya and beyond to access government schemes through any basic mobile phone. Designed for low-literacy users in remote areas, MEGHA operates via a toll-free number and responds in conversational language, making government schemes more accessible without the need for smartphones or internet connectivity. Built by a team of Indian public leaders and technologists currently at Harvard, MEGHA represents a people-centric approach to responsible AI deployment. The team behind MEGHA includes notable figures such as Manish Maheshwari (former Twitter India Head and Harvard Fellow), Dr. Aarushi Jain (Policy Director at Bharti Institute), Mohammed Y Safirulla K (IAS officer), Manudev Jain (IRS officer), and Ashish Tiwari (IPS officer and Fulbright Scholar). Their collaborative efforts have created a powerful tool for digital inclusion grounded in verified government data. Speaking about MEGHA, Manish Maheshwari said, “The true power of AI lies in thoughtfully connecting proven technologies to urgent human needs. As implementation costs fall, AI’s ability to unlock dignity, opportunity, and inclusion becomes one of the greatest forces for good.” Dr. Aarushi Jain added, “MEGHA is built to break information barriers by offering honest, concise guidance through a voice-first interface grounded in official documents.” MEGHA’s win is a testament to how empathetic innovation and AI can be harnessed to create impactful, inclusive solutions for real-world challenges. Source: India Today

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IRDAI organizes a hackathon and invites innovative tech solutions for the insurance sector

/ Governance Community

To safeguard policyholder interests, the insurance industry’s regulatory body, IRDAI, has issued an invitation to companies to provide technologically advanced new solutions for automated death claim settlement, reducing miss-selling, and other components of the insurance ecosystem. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is accepting applications for Bima Manthan 2022, its first hackathon, with the topic “Innovation in Insurance.” The regulator stated in a statement that the hackathon “invites participants to explore and develop ideas that have the potential to make insurance available to every individual in a seamless and quick way with the use of technology and protecting the interests of the policyholders. In order to stop the miss-selling of insurance products, IRDAI has looked for creative ideas and tech-based solutions for automating death claim settlement. The regulator is also seeking technologically enabled solutions to identify uninsured motor vehicles, assure the issuing of necessary motor third party insurance, and technology-based distribution of insurance products, including microinsurance in “difficult terrains and less penetrable areas.” Another area chosen for Bima Manthan 2022 is the use of technology to reduce or prevent fraud in motor insurance. Participants in Bima Manthan 2022 will get the chance to showcase their creative solutions in front of a distinguished jury and compete for enticing rewards, according to IRDAI. In addition, Bima Manthan offers the winner the chance to work with an insurer (or insurers) on the winning project/platform, demo-day in front of insurers/intermediaries and other stakeholders, or direct entry into the IRDAI Regulatory Sandbox regime. The regulator said that registration for the hackathon begins on Tuesday.

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