In a move set to boost India’s cybersecurity ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has partnered with a Mysore royal family-led firm to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the cyber security domain. The initiative aims to support start-ups, research-driven ventures, and young entrepreneurs working on cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, strengthening India’s capabilities in protecting digital infrastructure. Officials said the collaboration combines IISc’s research expertise with the firm’s entrepreneurial guidance, funding support, and mentorship, creating a platform for technological innovation with national significance.
The partnership will focus on nurturing start-ups that develop products and services in areas such as threat detection, network security, data privacy, encryption, and blockchain security. By providing incubation, mentorship, and access to advanced research facilities, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between research and commercial application. Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to convert research ideas into market-ready solutions that address the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by Indian enterprises and government agencies.
IISc officials highlighted that the collaboration is part of a broader strategy to make India self-reliant in cybersecurity technology. With digitalisation increasing rapidly across sectors, the country faces complex security threats, ranging from ransomware attacks to critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. By promoting entrepreneurship in this space, the initiative aims to develop indigenous solutions, reduce dependency on foreign software, and create a skilled talent pipeline for the nation.
MENTORSHIP AND FUNDING SUPPORT
The Mysore royal family-led firm will provide mentorship to start-ups on business strategy, product development, and market deployment. Funding assistance, including seed capital and early-stage investment, will be available to promising ventures. Officials emphasised that pairing technical guidance from IISc with entrepreneurial support ensures that start-ups have both the scientific foundation and business acumen necessary for success in a competitive industry.
Entrepreneurs selected under the programme will also have access to IISc’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and cybersecurity testing infrastructure. This will allow teams to test and refine their solutions under real-world conditions. Researchers and faculty members will provide guidance on advanced concepts such as quantum-resistant encryption, secure AI models, and cybersecurity analytics, fostering innovation and technical excellence.
FOCUS ON YOUTH AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
A significant component of the initiative is skill development for young professionals and students interested in cybersecurity. Training programs, workshops, and internships will provide practical exposure to threat analysis, penetration testing, and secure coding practices. Officials noted that building a skilled workforce is critical for sustaining innovation, and the initiative will also focus on nurturing entrepreneurship skills alongside technical expertise.
The collaboration also aims to create a start-up ecosystem in Karnataka that supports cybersecurity ventures. By connecting entrepreneurs with investors, corporate partners, and government agencies, the programme seeks to accelerate growth, scale solutions, and create commercial opportunities. Officials stressed that fostering innovation in cybersecurity not only addresses immediate national needs but also positions Karnataka as a hub for digital security entrepreneurship.
ACCELERATING CYBERSECURITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The IISc-Mysore royal family initiative is designed to accelerate entrepreneurship in cybersecurity by providing start-ups with structured support. Entrepreneurs will receive guidance on product ideation, prototyping, and commercialisation strategies. Officials emphasised that combining technical expertise with business mentorship will allow early-stage ventures to overcome common hurdles, such as market entry challenges, funding constraints, and technical scalability. By creating a nurturing ecosystem, the programme aims to transform innovative research concepts into commercially viable solutions that address India’s growing cybersecurity needs.
ACCESS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Start-ups selected under the initiative will have access to IISc’s cutting-edge laboratories, high-performance computing systems, and cybersecurity testing platforms. These facilities will allow teams to simulate cyber-attacks, test software resilience, and implement advanced encryption methods in controlled environments. Officials highlighted that hands-on access to such infrastructure is crucial for accelerating research, improving product quality, and ensuring that start-ups meet both industry standards and national security requirements.
FOCUS ON EMERGING THREATS
The initiative places strong emphasis on tackling emerging cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, AI-driven attacks, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Researchers and entrepreneurs will collaborate to develop predictive and adaptive security solutions. Officials stated that understanding threat intelligence and building resilient systems is a priority, ensuring that India remains proactive rather than reactive in the face of evolving cyber risks. This focus also prepares start-ups to compete globally by addressing contemporary security challenges.
MENTORSHIP FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
In addition to technical guidance, entrepreneurs will benefit from mentorship by industry leaders with experience in cybersecurity business operations. Advisors will provide insights into market trends, regulatory compliance, client acquisition, and scaling strategies. Officials noted that this dual approach—technical excellence combined with business acumen—is critical for nurturing start-ups capable of long-term success and sustainability in a competitive sector.
EMPOWERING YOUNG TALENT
A key objective of the initiative is to empower young professionals and students with skills, mentorship, and exposure to entrepreneurial opportunities. Through workshops, internships, and training programs, participants will gain practical knowledge in areas such as secure coding, penetration testing, and network defence. Officials emphasised that equipping youth with these competencies will strengthen India’s cybersecurity workforce while fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
INDIGENOUS CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS
The collaboration aims to promote the development of indigenous cybersecurity solutions that meet national needs. Officials highlighted that India’s reliance on foreign software and technologies can pose security risks. By fostering homegrown innovations, the initiative ensures digital sovereignty, strengthens critical infrastructure, and reduces vulnerabilities across sectors such as finance, energy, defence, and healthcare. This approach aligns with broader national priorities of self-reliance and secure digital growth.
PROMOTING START-UP ECOSYSTEM
The initiative is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s start-up ecosystem by creating opportunities for networking, investment, and collaboration. Entrepreneurs will have access to investors, corporate partners, and government agencies to scale their solutions. Officials emphasised that connecting research with commercialisation ensures that innovative ideas are transformed into market-ready products, driving economic growth and creating new employment opportunities in the technology sector.
BUILDING A FUTURE-READY STATE
Through the IISc-Mysore royal family partnership, Karnataka aims to build a future-ready state equipped to handle digital threats while fostering innovation. Officials stated that the initiative represents a long-term investment in talent, research, and entrepreneurship. By integrating academic excellence with business support, the programme positions Karnataka as a hub for cybersecurity innovation, enabling start-ups to contribute to national security, technological leadership, and the growth of India’s digital economy.
PROMOTING INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY
The initiative emphasises the development of homegrown cybersecurity solutions. By encouraging research-driven start-ups, the programme seeks to reduce reliance on foreign software and technologies in critical sectors such as banking, defence, and telecommunications. Officials said that promoting indigenous solutions aligns with national priorities, enhances digital sovereignty, and ensures India’s preparedness against emerging cyber threats.
NATIONAL AND GLOBAL COLLABORATION
Officials indicated that the programme will explore partnerships with international cybersecurity firms, research institutions, and technology hubs. This will enable knowledge exchange, exposure to global best practices, and collaborative research opportunities. Entrepreneurs and researchers will benefit from a broader perspective on cybersecurity trends, helping them design solutions that are globally competitive while tailored to India’s unique challenges.
A STEP TOWARD DIGITAL SECURITY LEADERSHIP
By combining IISc’s research capabilities with entrepreneurial support from the Mysore royal family-led firm, Karnataka aims to strengthen its position as a leader in cybersecurity innovation. The initiative is expected to catalyse the growth of start-ups, encourage research-driven commercialisation, and create a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of addressing the country’s cybersecurity challenges. For young entrepreneurs, it represents a platform to contribute to national security while building sustainable businesses.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The partnership sets a precedent for collaboration between academia and private enterprise in India’s technology sector. Officials believe that similar models could be replicated in other emerging tech domains, such as AI, quantum computing, and blockchain. By fostering entrepreneurship in cybersecurity, the initiative promises long-term benefits for India’s digital economy, national security, and innovation ecosystem, ensuring that the country is well-equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
For IISc, the Mysore royal family-led firm, and participating entrepreneurs, the programme represents a convergence of heritage, scientific excellence, and forward-looking innovation, positioning Karnataka as a key contributor to India’s cybersecurity leadership on both national and global stages.
ENCOURAGING COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION
The initiative encourages collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. By fostering teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and cross-disciplinary problem solving, the programme ensures that start-ups can leverage diverse expertise to address complex challenges. Officials noted that collaborative innovation will not only enhance product quality but also accelerate time-to-market, enabling Karnataka-based ventures to compete on national and global platforms effectively.
ACCESS TO FUNDING AND RESOURCES
Start-ups participating in the programme will gain access to seed funding, grants, and venture capital connections. Officials emphasised that financial support is critical for early-stage companies to develop prototypes, conduct testing, and scale operations. Coupled with mentorship and technical guidance, funding access ensures that innovative cybersecurity solutions move efficiently from concept to implementation, strengthening the overall ecosystem for technology-driven entrepreneurship.
ENHANCING NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY CAPACITY
By nurturing entrepreneurship in cybersecurity, the initiative directly contributes to strengthening India’s national cybersecurity capacity. Start-ups and research teams will work on technologies that protect critical infrastructure, safeguard data, and develop resilient networks. Officials highlighted that building a pool of skilled innovators and indigenous solutions will enhance India’s preparedness against cyber threats, reduce dependence on foreign systems, and support the country’s vision of secure digital growth.
INSPIRING FUTURE TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
The IISc and Mysore royal family-led initiative aims to inspire the next generation of technology leaders. By combining research excellence, entrepreneurial mentorship, and practical exposure, young innovators are encouraged to pursue ambitious projects in cybersecurity. Officials stated that fostering such talent will create a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of leading India’s technological advancements, ensuring long-term sustainability, global competitiveness, and a resilient digital ecosystem for the nation.
Follow: Karnataka Government
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