The Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE), an initiative by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and the Government of Telangana, magnificently wrapped up the Great AppSec Hackathon 2024 (GAH24) with an exciting Award Ceremony. This global event, which saw a staggering 10,000 participants from 24 states, 3 Union Territories, and 20 countries, all united in their mission to solve critical challenges in application security, truly showcased the international significance of the cybersecurity field. The hackathon was supported by key partners, including TGCSB (Telangana Government Cyber Security Bureau), Securin, Where U Elevate Tek Skills, JPMorganChase, Colruyt Group India, Fortinet, CrtlS, TCP Wave, International Institutions like The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Netherlands, and Cardiff University, UK. CCoE appreciates the commendable participation from National and Local Technical Institutions that have showcased the remarkable skills of young cybersecurity enthusiasts.

Dr Sriram Birudavolu, CEO, CCoE Hyderabad, welcomed the gathering with an encouraging message of identifying the right talent for the evolving industry’s needs, followed by a powerful message on the importance of Hackathon as a tool for Talent Hunt by Mr Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI. Appreciating the stature of the event, Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, IT & I&C, Government of Telangana, has sent wishes for the event. Mr Sai Krishna, Technical Consultant, CCoE, shared the GAH 24 journey so far, and Mrs Mitalee Agrawal, Lead – BD, MarCom & CE, explained the roadmap ahead. Mr Harshvardhan, IPS, SP, TGCSB, delivered the special address. The event's partners and winners have also shared their overwhelming experiences of being associated with an event of this magnitude that brings out the best of budding talents in the industry of Cybersecurity and Privacy.

Appreciating the stature of the event, Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, IT & I&C, Government of Telangana, remarked, "The Great AppSec Hackathon 2024 has demonstrated the immense potential of young cybersecurity professionals in India and around the world. Their innovative solutions and dedication to addressing real-world security challenges underscore the importance of such initiatives in building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem for the future. I congratulate CCoE on this incredible initiative".

Congratulating the winners, Dr Sriram Birudavolu, CEO, CCoE Hyderabad, said, “These winners have not only showcased exceptional technical prowess but have also set a high benchmark for future cybersecurity professionals. Their achievements in the Great AppSec Hackathon 2024 highlight the importance of nurturing young talent to address the growing challenges in the cybersecurity landscape”.

The Great AppSec Hackathon 2024 saw exceptional talent, with the top five winners standing out for their innovative solutions and technical expertise. The first prize of ₹1.25 Lakh was awarded to Ms Deepali Kewat from Madhya Pradesh, who demonstrated outstanding problem-solving abilities in application security. The second prize of ₹1 Lakh went to Mr Touseef Ahmed, from Tamil Nadu, who was recognized for his strategic approach to tackling complex cybersecurity challenges. The remaining top winners hailed from various locations across India, each receiving prize money ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹50,000. Additionally, six participants were awarded consolation prizes of ₹15,000 and ₹10,000, respectively, and one special mention was made for outstanding performance to Mr Jalaj Kumar Nimesh from Uttar Pradesh with a prize of ₹25,000.

The CCoE extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions in making the Great AppSec Hackathon 2024 a resounding success. Their support and involvement have been instrumental in the event's success, and we look forward to continued partnership in setting a new benchmark for the Great AppSec Hackathon 2025.