IIT Kanpur Launches Future Secure AI Innovation (FSAI) Program To Support Students-Led Deep-Tech Startups
IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Shibodhi Foundation, the family foundation of Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman and Board Member, Cyient, has officially launched the Future Secure AI Innovation (FSAI) Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting deep-tech entrepreneurship among undergraduate students.
The launch event was graced by Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman and Board Member of Cyient, Dr. PNSV Narasimham, President & Head of Corporate Functions, Cyient, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director – IIT Kanpur, Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor In-Charge – SIIC, IIT Kanpur, and Mr. Kapil Kaul, CEO – IIT Kanpur Development Foundation, who extended their support and encouragement to the student community.
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The FSAI Program is designed to empower students to develop innovative solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, which are key sectors for the future of technology and national security. It offers undergraduate students from IIT Kanpur an opportunity to transform their ideas into impactful ventures through financial assistance, expert guidance, and institutional support extended through the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur.
Through the program, selected student teams will receive a grant of ₹6 lakh for prototype development. They will also benefit from mentorship by faculty members and industry experts, infrastructure and incubation support, masterclasses, access to investor networks, and potential seed funding opportunities after successful incubation.
On the occasion, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated, “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, advancement in AI applications is transforming our lives. In addition, cybertheft and cyberfraud have also become more common. With this, it is imperative that we secure our future! The FSAI initiative is aptly intended to achieve the same goal of nurturing our young minds with the right tools and platforms to make meaningful contributions in the areas of AI and cybersecurity. On behalf of the institute, I express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Reddy for this support.
Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor In-Charge at SIIC IIT Kanpur, added, “FSAI is not just a program—it is a movement to inspire and support students in building deep-tech solutions that can shape the future. Through strong mentorship, funding, and access to cutting-edge resources, we aim to nurture innovative and impactful ideas.”
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A Distinguished alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy underscored, “There is an absolute urgency for fostering entrepreneurship in India. The FSAI Program will empower students to actively contribute to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. With AI and Cybersecurity driving unprecedented change, this initiative is aimed to provide the right resources, the right mentorship, and the freedom to innovate responsibly – ensuring that technology truly serves society’s best interests.”
The Shibodhi Foundation, has been instrumental in bringing this programme to life, reflecting Dr. Reddy’s personal commitment and a shared vision to strengthen India’s technological future by empowering student entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.
With FSAI, IIT Kanpur, and its partners are setting a new benchmark in student innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the institute’s role as a pioneer in the startup ecosystem.
