Kanpur, November 4, 2025: The C3iHub, A Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Kanpur, has announced the opening of registrations for its national-level cybersecurity hackathon - HACK IITK 2026.

Aspiring participants can register through the official hackathon platform: https://hackathon.c3ihub.iitk.ac.in/ . The last date for registration is December 12, 2025.

HACK IITK 2026 aims to bring together the brightest minds in cybersecurity - students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals - to innovate and develop solutions addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges. The hackathon will be conducted in a hybrid format, with the qualification and challenge rounds online and the Grand Finale to be held at IIT Kanpur in February 2026.

This year, HACK IITK 2026 is even more special, as the entire event will be hosted on C3iHub’s in-house developed, secure, and smart hackathon platform, C3iHub Arena. The platform is designed to provide a seamless, scalable, and highly secure environment for participants to compete and collaborate.

The domain of this year’s hackathon is Critical Infrastructure Security, with focused subdomains including:

• Network Security

• Cryptography & Secure Communication

• Hardware Security

• IoT Security

• AI Security

• Digital Forensics

• Automotive Security

• Cyber Crime

This year’s edition features two competitive tracks:

1. Capture the Flag (CTF) Track - A high-intensity challenge where participants solve security puzzles and vulnerabilities.

2. Solution Track - Teams will tackle problem statements curated by cybersecurity experts and present their innovative solutions during the Grand Finale at IIT Kanpur.

Partners so far for HACK IITK 2026 include:

• Knowledge Partner: Zscaler

• Technology Partners: SecuredApp, Saptang Labs, Cyethack Solutions, Forensic CyberTech, and Hommi Technovation

• Outreach Partner: Ideas Matter Most

Conceptualized by C3iHub researchers, engineers, and IIT Kanpur faculty, HACK IITK has grown into a premier platform promoting innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. The event will feature a distinguished jury panel of experts from academia, government, and industry who will evaluate participants’ solutions and identify the next generation of cybersecurity innovators.

Speaking about the hackathon, Prof. Somitra Sandhya, Project Director, C3iHub, said, “HACK IITK 2026 reflects our vision to nurture cybersecurity talent in India and foster practical problem-solving skills. The event provides a platform for students and young innovators to contribute toward strengthening India’s digital resilience.”

ABOUT IIT KANPUR

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,055 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 20 departments, 27 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and three specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 570 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur remains a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in.