IISc, Mysore royal family-led firm to promote entrepreneurship in cyber security

The Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at Indian Institute of Science has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cyberverse Foundation, a Mysore royal family-led firm dedicated to building a robust cybersecurity ecosystem in India, and deep-tech firm Pantherun to support early-stage cybersecurity start-ups in the country.

Under the partnership, the three organisations would jointly identify and incubate two to four cybersecurity start-ups beginning early 2026. Select start-ups would receive support in technical validation, infrastructure access, mentorship, market access, regulatory guidance and capital enablement.

The MoU was signed between Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar, chairperson, Cyberverse Foundation, B. Gurumoorthy, chief executive, FSID, and Srinivas Lakshman Sekhar, founder & CEO, Pantherun, in the presence of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, chairman, advisory board, Cyberverse Foundation, here on Thursday.

The collaboration would combine FSID’s incubation ecosystem and academic access, Cyberverse’s cybersecurity training programmes and laboratory infrastructure, and Pantherun’s domain expertise and market reach, the firms said.

Prof. Gurumoorthy said cybersecurity required deep science-based innovation and early-stage founders often face challenges in mentorship and access to advanced infrastructure.

“Through this MoU, we aim to address these gaps and support innovators building solutions of national importance,” he said, adding that Pantherun’s participation reflects the success of FSID’s STEM Cell incubator.

Mr. Wadiyar said the initiative would empower young entrepreneurs and researchers while helping position Mysuru as a hub for cyber innovation and talent development.

Mr. Sekhar said the partnership would help founders build robust, scalable cybersecurity solutions ready for real-world deployment, while contributing to India’s secure digital infrastructure.