Innovation took centre stage at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur during The Startup Demo Day – Connect 1.0, where five incubated startups under C3iHub introduced pioneering solutions in cybersecurity, aviation, and deep-tech. The showcase brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and investors, underscoring C3iHub’s vision of strengthening India’s technological sovereignty through homegrown innovations.
One of the biggest highlights came from the aerospace sector. Aerosys Aviation India unveiled the Eliminator Kamikaze Drone, engineered to operate in GPS-denied environments, enhancing India’s defense and surveillance capabilities. Similarly, Maraal Aerospace Private Limited launched Tejasvaan—a solar-powered, high-altitude uncrewed aircraft designed for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, capable of staying airborne for up to 12 hours. Both solutions represent a leap forward in India’s aerospace and security technology ecosystem.
In the cybersecurity and digital trust space, startups introduced equally disruptive innovations. SecureDApp – Blockchain & Web3 Security rolled out SecureTrace, an AI-powered tracking system designed to trace illegal blockchain transactions. xIoTz Private Limited showcased an AI-driven regulatory compliance and standards framework that analyses network risks and performance, helping enterprises secure critical infrastructure. Saptang Labs presented BlackFence, a cyber threat intelligence platform built to detect fraud, prevent brand abuse, and strengthen India’s digital defenses.
Speaking at the event, Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “The launches today and the cumulative work being done by the 50-odd startups incubated with us testify to the mandate to nucleate R&D to strengthen India’s cyber security space.”
With cyber-attacks and digital threats becoming more sophisticated worldwide, IIT Kanpur’s efforts to nurture startups through C3iHub reflect a strategic push to make India self-reliant in emerging technologies. By providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and commercialization, the institute is ensuring that India not only addresses its security challenges but also builds globally competitive ventures that can set benchmarks in cybersecurity, aviation, and deep-tech.
The Connect 1.0 Demo Day thus reinforced the role of academia-led incubators in shaping India’s innovation economy and highlighted how startups can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact.
 Kanpur during The Startup Demo Day – Connect 1.0, where five in.....){kind=link}