C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) Kanpur, and the Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Innovation Foundation (CSJMIF) have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a vocational course in cybersecurity for students of CSJMU.

The MoU signing ceremony, held on August 4, 2025, was graced by distinguished guests including Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor, CSJMU and President, Association of Indian Universities; and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur. The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Tanima Hajra, COO and Interim CEO, C3iHub, Dr. Shilpa D. Kaistha, CEO, CSJMIF, and Mr Rajesh Kumar, Registrar, CSJMU. Other dignitaries included Prof. R.K. Dwivedi, Director, College Development Council, CSJMU, and Shri Ashok Tripathi, Finance Officer, CSJMU.

The newly launched semester-long program will equip students with essential cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills. The course will be delivered entirely online and in Hindi, making it accessible and easy to understand for a broad student base. This course covers the basics of cybersecurity and will be delivered in Hindi so that students can understand it easily. This course will cover cybercrime and cyber hygiene, Social media threats, identity theft, personal data leak, women's and children's online safety, the dark web, cyber terrorism, and illegal activities. Quizzes and Course feedback will be an integral part of the course, supported by customized virtual labs to provide students with real-world, practical experience.

A key highlight of the program is the inclusion of expert-led webinars featuring professionals from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs' I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre), and other renowned cybersecurity experts.

Under this collaboration, C3iHub will design and deliver the curriculum, while CSJMIF will provide the platform and technical infrastructure for course deployment. The initiative aims to reach up to 1 lakh students, contributing significantly to India's cybersecurity capacity-building efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, stated, "Deepening our ongoing collaboration with CSJMU for creating a cybersecurity-focused program for students at large to equip them with technology awareness in cyberspace for protection of information and digital assets, we have signed today's MoU. Over the last year, we have evolved the course further. The expert-led content will focus on basic aspects of cybersecurity and will be delivered in Hindi for easy understanding."

Prof. V.K. Pathak, Vice Chancellor, CSJMU & President, Association of Indian Universities: "This is not just a program — it's a gateway to new dimensions of learning and progress. CSJMU considers this the start of a long-term collaboration with premier institutes like IITs. We aim to bring such transformative initiatives closer to the common student and society. This pilot program, in partnership with IIT Kanpur and C3iHub, could become a model for universities nationwide. As President of the Association of Indian Universities, I believe this initiative can potentially drive a ground-up transformation in higher education."

Launch of SCOPE by C3iHub

C3iHub also announced the launch of SCOPE (Security and Outreach Program for Education) — a dedicated training wing offering cybersecurity training programs. Through SCOPE, C3iHub invites proposals from organizations interested in delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity education across sectors.

About SCOPE Training Programs

SCOPE offers flexible training solutions — online or on-site — designed to meet diverse organizational needs. These include:

• Tailor-made hands-on training modules
• Large-scale skilling programs for workforce development and capacity building

About C3iHub

C3iHub is a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) established at IIT Kanpur under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Hub focuses on securing cyber-physical systems by identifying vulnerabilities, developing security tools, incubating startups, and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

About CSJMU Kanpur University

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), formerly known as Kanpur University, is one of India's largest public state universities. It caters to over 1.2 million students across over 700 affiliated colleges in seven districts, offering arts, commerce, science, law, medicine, engineering, management, agriculture, and more.

About CSJMIF

The Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Innovation Foundation (CSJMIF) is a pioneering tech-business incubator that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship across Uttar Pradesh. Its mission includes fostering grassroots innovations, promoting entrepreneurial education, upskilling youth, and supporting startups to drive economic growth, job creation, and social impact.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has significantly contributed to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts various academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to foster innovation and academic rigor.

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