Meerut Set to Emerge as Cybersecurity Hub as MIET Launches Centre of Excellence with C-DAC

AI-driven cyber threats to be tackled through advanced research, industry-focused training and innovation

Meerut: In a major step towards strengthening India's digital security ecosystem, the Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security. The facility aims to become a premier hub for advanced research, professional training, industry-academia collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions to tackle emerging cyber threats.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Jitendra Singh, Centre Head and Scientist-G, C-DAC, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest, while Vishnu Sharan, Chairman, MIET, presided over the event. The programme witnessed the participation of senior scientists from C-DAC, cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, and students.

Addressing the gathering, Jitendra Singh said cybersecurity has evolved beyond information technology and has become a cornerstone of national security, economic resilience, and digital trust. With critical sectors such as healthcare, banking, energy, transportation, and governance increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, he said the collaboration between C-DAC and MIET would play a significant role in developing world-class cybersecurity professionals capable of addressing future challenges.

Gaurav Agrawal, Vice Chairman, MIET, said the Centre of Excellence would strengthen industry-academia collaboration while accelerating research on the protection of critical information infrastructure. He highlighted the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in view of rising threats such as ransomware attacks, AI-powered phishing campaigns, and state-sponsored cyber warfare.

Speaking on the occasion, Apoorva Kohli, Scientist-E and Group Head, C-DAC, said the organisation is actively collaborating with leading international institutions on advanced cybersecurity research, adding that the MIET centre has the potential to become part of globally significant research initiatives. Dr Richa Chaudhary also introduced participants to the Advanced Computing Training School (ACTS) programmes, encouraging students to pursue specialised courses in cybersecurity and information technology.

Arun Kumar, Senior Project Engineer, C-DAC, said the Centre would offer industry-oriented training in network security, web application security, incident response, risk management, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment, enabling students to gain practical skills aligned with current industry requirements.

Highlighting the importance of mobile application security, Arvind Kumar, Senior Consultant, C-DAC, stressed that vulnerabilities in application code, design, and communication protocols often provide opportunities for cybercriminals. He emphasised the need for secure coding practices, robust encryption, and regular security assessments to mitigate cyber risks.

Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Singh, Director, MIET, said the institution is committed to developing the Centre into a globally recognised hub for cybersecurity research and technological innovation over the next three to four years. He added that the roadmap includes specialised certification programmes, Train-the-Trainer initiatives, and collaborative research projects with leading organisations.

Prof. (Dr.) Brijesh Kumar Gupta, SPOC (Cyber Security), MIET, described cybersecurity as a critical pillar of national security and economic stability. He said the Centre would be equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software infrastructure to support vulnerability assessment, threat intelligence, cyber defence, research, and innovation. He expressed confidence that the initiative would produce highly skilled cybersecurity professionals while contributing significantly to India's Digital India mission.