Introduction

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The SCT Hackathon 2025 was organized by the School of Computing and Technology (SCT), Institute of Advanced Research (IAR) in collaboration with CyberPeace. This two-day innovation challenge focused on developing creative and practical solutions to address emerging cybersecurity threats such as phishing, social engineering, and malware attacks.

The event aimed to empower students to design sustainable and feasible tools that automate security processes and spread awareness among individuals who are unaware of cyber risks. A total of 14 teams from the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th semesters of SCT participated in the hackathon.

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Objectives

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The hackathon centered on four key goals:

• Inspire students to identify and solve real-world cybersecurity problems through innovation.
• Encourage the development of AI-driven and automated cybersecurity solutions.
• Provide mentorship from industry experts and academic leaders in collaboration with CyberPeace.
• Promote awareness of digital safety and responsible cyber practices among youth.

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Participation

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Fourteen teams representing multiple academic levels of the School of Computing and Technology took part in the event. The hackathon was coordinated by Mrs. Divya Patel and Mr. Krunal Rathod, who provided continuous guidance to the participants.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Brig. P. C. Vyas, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director, IAR, who emphasized the importance of proactive learning in cybersecurity. His address encouraged students to recognize digital vulnerabilities and use innovation as a tool for defense.

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Programme Highlights

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Day 1 (31 October 2025)

• Inaugural ceremony and welcome address by dignitaries.
• Discussion on hackathon guidelines, structure, and objectives.
• Idea pitching and team strategy sessions.
• Mentor interactions and hands-on project development.

Day 2 (1 November 2025)

• Continued project implementation focused on cybersecurity challenges.
• Product presentation and prototype demonstrations before the jury.
• Evaluation based on innovation, feasibility, and societal impact.
• Announcement of top three winning teams and consolation awards.

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Key Features and Themes

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Teams developed cybersecurity solutions featuring:

• Cyber Awareness Assistant
• Phishing and Scam Detection
• Fraud Detection
• Incident Response Detection
• Secure Coding Assistant

These projects showcased student commitment to creating digital safety solutions aligned with CyberPeace’s mission of promoting cyber awareness and resilience through education and innovation.

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Key Takeaways

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The hackathon served as an experiential learning platform for students to collaborate, innovate, and apply technical skills in real-world cybersecurity contexts. It strengthened interdisciplinary learning, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, all under expert mentorship.

Through the collaboration with CyberPeace, participants gained exposure to the evolving landscape of global cyber threats and the importance of proactive cyber hygiene. The event promoted leadership and critical thinking in developing inclusive and secure digital ecosystems.

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Conclusion

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The SCT Hackathon 2025, organized by IAR’s School of Computing and Technology in collaboration with CyberPeace, successfully encouraged innovation and awareness in the field of cybersecurity. The event highlighted the role of youth-led technological innovation in building a safer cyberspace, aligning with CyberPeace’s vision of a secure, peaceful, and digitally empowered society.

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