Introduction

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The CCTV Surveillance Security and Forensics Hackathon 2.0 was organized as a national platform to address the growing challenges of modern policing and digital evidence management. With surveillance playing a central role in investigations, the hackathon focused on fostering indigenous innovation in intelligent, secure, and cost-effective technologies that uphold strong cybersecurity standards.

Spearheaded by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and CyberPeace, the initiative brought together academia, industry, and law enforcement agencies to co-create practical solutions in the spirit of Make in India.

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Objectives

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The hackathon centered around four core goals:

• Develop indigenous CCTV solutions that reduce import dependence and ensure tamper-proof systems.
  
  
• Integrate AI and analytics for real-time threat detection and predictive monitoring.
  
  
• Strengthen cybersecurity to protect surveillance networks from intrusion and misuse.
  
  
• Deliver scalable, affordable models suited to diverse environments.
  
  

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Participation

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The hackathon received 768 team registrations, including 739 from academia and 29 from industry. There was strong participation in AI and cybersecurity categories, highlighting India’s growing research focus on safe surveillance systems. Women’s participation reached 39 percent from academia and 14 percent from industry. Institutions such as Chennai Institute of Technology, Karapagam Academy, and Sri Krishna College took part along with startups including SOL9X, Zeex AI, and SAP Labs India.

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Jury and Dignitaries

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The event was guided by senior dignitaries and experts from policing, technology, and academia, including Shri Alok Ranjan, Director General, BPRD, and Shri Ravi Joseph Lokku, Additional Director General, BPRD. Jury members included senior officials from NCRB, academia, and industry, with expertise in AI, IoT, and cybersecurity.

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Key Takeaways

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The hackathon underlined the need for indigenous, transparent, and scalable surveillance models that are both secure and affordable. It demonstrated the potential of AI-driven analytics to transform CCTV systems from passive recording tools into proactive intelligence assets. CyberPeace emphasized that innovation in surveillance must always align with principles of accountability, data protection, and public trust.

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Conclusion

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The CCTV Surveillance Security and Forensics Hackathon 2.0 reaffirmed India’s commitment to innovation-driven public safety. It showcased the power of collaboration among law enforcement, academia, and industry, paving the way for future-ready solutions that strengthen national cybersecurity and digital forensics capabilities.

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