C3iHub at IIT Kanpur is thrilled to announce the launch of the Cybersecurity Start-up Accelerator Program (CSAP III), inviting innovative cybersecurity startups to apply and take their ventures to the next level. This is your chance to join a transformative program designed to strengthen India’s cybersecurity ecosystem and accelerate the growth of high-potential startups.
What’s in it for you?
By joining CSAP III, selected startups will gain access to:
- Mentoring Support: Guidance from industry experts and business mentors to refine your product and business strategies.
- Market Connect: Opportunities to connect with key players in the cybersecurity market.
- VC & Investor Connect: Access to venture capitalists and investors to fuel your growth.
- Funding Support: Up to ₹3 Crore in equity-based funding to scale your operations.
Program Objective
The C3iHub CPS-DIAL Program (CSAP III) is designed to empower promising cybersecurity startups by providing:
- Financial support to fuel growth.
- Mentorship to refine business strategies and product offerings.
- Access to resources to meet market demands and build scalable, successful businesses.
The program, spanning 3-9 months, will fast-track startups to refine their solutions, enhance market traction, and achieve sustainable growth.
Who Can Apply?
CSAP III welcomes startups working in trending and emerging areas of cybersecurity, with a special focus on strategic/national security. Key areas include:
- Web 3 Security
- Privacy Enhancing Technologies
- Mobile Security and Mobile Forensics
- Supply Chain Security
- Threat Intelligence
- Automotive Security
- Adversary AI Threat Detection
- Security of AI-ML
- CEMA (Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities)
- LLM (Large Language Model) Security
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, startups must:
- Have a partial or fully launched product in the market.
- Demonstrate an average revenue of ≥ ₹50 lakhs over the last two years.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous yet transparent:
- Application Submission: Complete the application via the Google Form. Submit a Proposal for Growth/Scale-up/Business Expansion including:
- Brief introduction of the company and product/solution.
- Current stage of the startup and product.
- Growth/scale-up plan with clear objectives and timeline.
- Plan for key fund allocation areas.
- An Investor Pitch Deck.
- Evaluation: The C3iHub Evaluation Committee will review applications and proposals.
- Pitch Presentation: Shortlisted startups will present their pitch to the Evaluation Committee.
- Final Selection: The Expert Committee will select startups based on alignment with C3iHub’s objectives and potential for mutual growth.
Program Benefits
Selected startups will enjoy:
- Funding: Between ₹25 lakhs to ₹3 Crore in equity-based investment, with C3iHub acquiring a percentage of equity.
- Mentorship: Tailored guidance to refine product features, business strategies, and market traction.
- Ecosystem Access: Leverage the C3iHub-IIT Kanpur ecosystem for technical and business support.
How to Apply
Ready to take your cybersecurity startup to new heights? Apply through the C3iHub Application Portal. Ensure you submit the following:
- Proposal: Including a 5-year projected business plan.
- Financials:
- Year-on-year revenue for the last 3 years.
- Profit margin percentage.
- Cash flow statements.
- Audited Financial Statements: For the last 3 years.
- Investor Pitch Deck: Highlighting your vision and growth strategy.

Why Join CSAP III?
CSAP III is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a chance to be part of a vibrant ecosystem driving India’s cybersecurity innovation. With access to IIT Kanpur’s resources, expert mentorship, and investor networks, your startup can scale new heights and contribute to a secure digital future.
Don’t miss out! Apply now and join us in strengthening India’s cybersecurity landscape.
Apply Today: https://forms.gle/paJaxQ1dYyi482EQ6


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