The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) which is sponsored by Schneider Electric, successfully organized HACKNOVA 2024, a 48-hour Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge. Held from December 16-18, 2024, at the MIT Bengaluru Campus, the event, powered by the Institution’s Innovation Council (MAHE) and hosted by the MITB ACM Student Chapter, brought together more than 40 teams from across India to compete in a landmark initiative promoting innovation in cybersecurity.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Dayananda P, Professor and Head of the Department of IT, followed by the lighting of the lamp. Dr. Manohara Pai M M, Senior Professor from MIT Manipal, introduced the significance of HACKNOVA 2024.
Dr. Shreyas J, Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024 and Assistant Professor, Department of IT, MIT Bengaluru, introduced the Chief Guest, Brahmanand Basavachari, R&D Head – Digital Factory Automation Control, Schneider Electric. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the role of competitive platforms like HACKNOVA in fostering innovation and developing real-world problem-solving skills.
The ceremony also featured a Presidential Address by Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, and special addresses by Guests of Honour Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P (Deputy Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru) and Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan (Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru); Dr. Manohara Pai MM, Senior Professor and Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, MIT Manipal.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gururaj H L, Co-Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team and participants.
HACKNOVA 2024 serves as a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their cybersecurity skills, tackle real-world challenges, and promote collaboration and innovation in the field of technology.
HACKNOVA 2024 featured 48-hour CTF Challenge that tested participants’ expertise in cryptography, reverse engineering, and penetration testing, and a 24-hour Mini Hackathon that encouraged students to devise creative solutions to contemporary technological challenges. Both events drew significant attention and competition, with participants benefiting from hands-on experiences and expert mentorship.
The CTF Challenge culminated in three winning teams:
- First Place: Team comprising Sumedh Kashyap, Debashish Tripathy, and Archit Chadalawada
- Second Place: Team led by Dev Kothari, alongside Shashank Pandey and Vishal Bharat
- Third Place: Team featuring Ritu Raj and Aastha Sinha
The total prize pool of ₹1 Lakh was distributed among the top-performing teams, recognizing their outstanding problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. The judging panel, comprising industry experts from Schneider Electric—Mr. Manoj Kumar (Project Manager), Mr. Ravikant Kulkarni (Senior Pen Test Engineer), and Mr. Mohan Singh (Security Architect)—played a vital role in evaluating the participants’ efforts and providing valuable insights.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, remarked, “HACKNOVA 2024 is a testament to our institution’s dedication to fostering innovation and advancing education in emerging fields. This platform not only empowers students but also strengthens our collaboration with industry leaders like Schneider Electric.” He further added, “We are proud to witness such exceptional talent and enthusiasm, which reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”
The seamless execution of HACKNOVA 2024 was made possible through the dedicated efforts of faculty convenors Dr. Gururaj HL, Dr. Shreyas J, and Dr. Sumanth V, along with the MITB ACM Student Chapter and the support of the Department of Information Technology, MIT Bengaluru. The Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair for Intelligent Technologies further enriched the event with its backing.
Participants lauded the event for its enriching challenges, exceptional organization, and networking opportunities. The provision of food, accommodation, and midnight snacks contributed to a comfortable and engaging experience, ensuring high levels of participation and enthusiasm.
