IIT Kanpur appoints Dr. Nikhil Agarwal as CEO of Centre for Cyber Securityand Cyber Security of Cyber Physical Systems Innovation Hub (C3i Hub)

Kanpur: Dr Nikhil Agarwal has been appointed as CEO of Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Security of Cyber Physical Systems Innovation Hub (C3i Hub) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
This is in addition to his existing role as CEO at Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST- IITK). Dr Agarwal brings over two decades of rich experience of working in academia, government and industry. An MPhil in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge and PhD in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, Dr Agarwal is the former CEO, Innovation Society, Government of Andhra Pradesh. His expertise lies in strategic planning and advisory and fostering innovation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “I am sure Dr Agarwal with his capabilities for strategic vision and rich leadership experience in the field of business as well as knowledge in academia will add a significant value in taking C3i Hub to new heights. I wish him all the success in his new role.”
Commenting on his new responsibility, Dr Agarwal, added, “Over the last year, I have developed a deep appreciation for the value, culture, and pioneering spirit of technology innovators at IIT Kanpur. I passionately look forward to working with the entire team on our mission of protecting millions of citizens and organisations who are vulnerable to sophisticated cybercrime.”

About Centre for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructure Innovation Hub (C3i Hub), IIT Kanpur
The C3i Hub has been founded as the result of a generous grant of 170 crores (US$ 24 million) from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to create the country’s maiden research centre and cybersecurity testbed for critical infrastructure. The Centre aims to deploy a two-pronged approach through training students to create a dedicated cadre of cyber security professionals and provide hands-on training to executives of utilities so that they can be aware of cyber security threats, and how to prevent such attacks. To achieve its objectives, C3i Hub will engage stakeholders globally to enable knowledge transfer through student exchanges, conferences, and workshops to foster a top-notch research ethos in the space of cyber security and cyber defence.