News in Short
- IIT Delhi and Cisco have launched the Cisco Technology Hub on AI and Cybersecurity.
- The three-year collaboration focuses on AI research, cybersecurity and workforce development.
- The hub will support research grants, fellowships and industry collaborations.
- Cisco and IIT Delhi will jointly offer specialised training programmes for professionals and government officials.
- The initiative will also host workshops, research forums and an annual Security and Trust Summit.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Cisco have partnered to launch the Cisco Technology Hub on AI and Cybersecurity, a new initiative aimed at strengthening AI research, cybersecurity innovation and digital skills in India. The three-year collaboration will bring together academia, industry and government to develop solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges while preparing a future-ready workforce.
The initiative will support research, talent development and policy discussions as India accelerates its digital transformation and strengthens its cyber resilience.
A new hub for AI innovation and cybersecurity
The Cisco Technology Hub on AI and Cybersecurity aims to become a leading centre for AI and cybersecurity research in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative aligns with India’s digital transformation goals and focuses on developing secure technologies for critical infrastructure.
Through the collaboration, Cisco will contribute its global technology expertise, while IIT Delhi will lead academic research and innovation. The partners also plan to work closely with government stakeholders to strengthen digital frameworks, cybersecurity standards and trusted AI solutions.
Research, skills and industry collaboration
The hub will support both fundamental and applied research in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. It will fund PhD and MTech research through grants, fellowships and a Chair of Excellence.
Researchers will also collaborate with Cisco’s global research teams to address emerging cyber threats and develop practical AI applications. In addition, IIT Delhi scholars will publish white papers that contribute to discussions on government policy, technology regulations and cybersecurity.
Beyond research, the partnership will focus on building digital skills. Continuing Education Programmes (CEP), developed in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad), will offer specialised AI and cybersecurity courses for industry professionals and government officials.
The hub will also organise short-term training programmes for government departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), covering emerging technologies, cyber risks and security best practices.
Building India’s digital future
The collaboration also aims to strengthen dialogue between academia, industry and policymakers. The hub will host research forums, cybersecurity workshops and an annual Security and Trust Summit to discuss emerging technologies and showcase innovative research.
Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Jayant Jain, Dean, Corporate Relations, IIT Delhi, said:
“This collaboration builds on the Institute’s commitment to enable knowledge exchange and co-creation with industry partners. Through this initiative, we aim to foster innovation, develop future-ready talent, and contribute to strengthening India’s digital ecosystem.”
Prof. Ashwini K. Agrawal, Dean (R&D), IIT Delhi, added that the collaboration would strengthen the institute’s research in AI and cybersecurity while supporting India’s digital future.
Commenting on the initiative, Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & South Asia, said:
“Strong collaboration between academia, industry and government is critical to driving innovation across India. Our partnership with IIT Delhi brings together research and technology expertise to advance frontier AI research, develop secure solutions for real-world challenges in AI and cybersecurity, while building a pipeline of next-generation talent that will shape India’s digital future.”
The Technology Hub is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, which has delivered more than 1,700 digital transformation projects across 56 countries. With this partnership, Cisco and IIT Delhi aim to strengthen India’s AI and cybersecurity ecosystem while preparing talent for the country’s growing digital economy.
