In a heartwarming collaboration that bridges tradition with cutting-edge technology, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has partnered with the Mysore royal family and a leading deep-tech firm to champion the future of cybersecurity entrepreneurship in India.

The Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development at IISc signed a momentous memorandum of understanding with Cyberverse Foundation, spearheaded by the visionary Mysore royal family, and innovative deep-tech company Pantherun. Together, these three organizations are committed to nurturing early-stage cybersecurity startups and strengthening India's digital defense ecosystem.

The historic agreement was formalized on Thursday with signatures from Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar, Chairperson of Cyberverse Foundation, B. Gurumoorthy, Chief Executive of FSID, and Srinivas Lakshman Sekhar, Founder and CEO of Pantherun. The ceremony was graced by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Cyberverse Foundation, marking a significant milestone for Indian innovation.

Beginning in early 2026, this inspiring partnership will identify and incubate two to four promising cybersecurity startups, providing them with comprehensive support that budding entrepreneurs often struggle to access. Selected startups will benefit from technical validation, state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert mentorship, market connections, regulatory guidance, and crucial capital enablement—everything needed to transform brilliant ideas into thriving businesses.

What makes this collaboration particularly powerful is how each partner brings unique strengths to the table. FSID contributes its robust incubation ecosystem and invaluable academic resources from one of India's premier research institutions. Cyberverse Foundation offers specialized cybersecurity training programs and advanced laboratory infrastructure. Pantherun adds essential domain expertise and market reach, having itself emerged successfully from FSID's STEM Cell incubator program.

Professor Gurumoorthy eloquently highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that cybersecurity demands deep science-based innovation, yet early-stage founders frequently encounter obstacles in accessing mentorship and advanced infrastructure. "Through this MoU, we aim to address these gaps and support innovators building solutions of national importance," he explained with evident enthusiasm.

Mr. Wadiyar shared his inspiring vision for the partnership, emphasizing how it will empower young entrepreneurs and researchers while establishing Mysuru as a vibrant hub for cyber innovation and talent development. This represents a beautiful evolution of the royal family's long-standing commitment to educational and technological advancement in their region.

Mr. Sekhar expressed optimism about helping founders create robust, scalable cybersecurity solutions ready for real-world deployment, while simultaneously contributing to India's secure digital infrastructure—a goal that benefits every citizen in our increasingly connected world.

This collaboration represents more than just a business agreement; it's a testament to India's growing prowess in technology and innovation. By combining institutional excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic vision, these partners are creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators while addressing one of the most critical challenges of our digital age.

The future of Indian cybersecurity looks brighter than ever, with young minds about to receive the support they need to protect our digital tomorrow.