Key Points
- Uttar Pradesh must move beyond securing government systems to building an innovation ecosystem
- State has 250 million citizens using digital public services
- Rai urged government departments to continuously upgrade their cybersecurity infra and adopt emerging tech
Uttar Pradesh must move beyond securing government systems to building an innovation ecosystem that develops indigenous cybersecurity products capabilities and nurtures startups, Omkar Rai, former director general, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), said on Friday.
Speaking at the Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh conclave in Lucknow, organised by TrendAI and Tech Observer Magazine, Rai argued that the state’s large pool of young talent can become a catalyst for building cybersecurity capability rather than remaining dependent on imported solutions.
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“The state should not only consume cybersecurity products but also create them,” Rai said. “Such an ecosystem would help young innovators become entrepreneurs and startup founders while strengthening the state’s cyber resilience.”
Securing 250 million citizens
Cybersecurity has become a strategic imperative for Uttar Pradesh as the state rapidly digitises public services for its population of nearly 250 million, Rai said. The scale of this digital transformation presents both a significant challenge and a unique opportunity.
“As Uttar Pradesh digitises its assets and delivers more services electronically, it has to ensure that its digital infrastructure is properly secured,” he said. “This requires secure digital installations from the outset, sensitising government officials and building cybersecurity capacity across the state.”
Rai called for the creation of innovation platforms where students, startups, technology companies, government departments and large enterprises work together to identify cybersecurity challenges and develop solutions tailored to India’s needs.
Capacity building among citizens remains one of the biggest challenges facing governments, Rai said. He stressed the need for continuous public engagement through digital platforms and awareness programmes to help citizens understand cyber risks and adopt safe digital practices.
Beyond citizen awareness, he urged government departments to continuously upgrade their cybersecurity infrastructure and adopt emerging technologies through supportive policies, regular sensitisation programmes and appropriate incentives.
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“Cybersecurity is a continuous task. We cannot leave this space unattended even for a moment,” Rai said, noting that technology and cyber threats evolve constantly and require equally continuous investment and preparedness.
Forums such as Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh play an important role by enabling policymakers, administrators, industry and academia to exchange ideas, understand global technology trends and adopt innovations that can strengthen the state’s cybersecurity ecosystem, Rai who has been extensively working in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh said.
The conclave brought together policymakers, government officials and industry experts to discuss strengthening cybersecurity preparedness in Uttar Pradesh.
STPI, where Rai served as director general, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology that promotes software exports and provides infrastructure support to the IT industry across India. More recently he has been the first executive chairman of Startup Odisha.
Your Questions, Answered
What did Omkar Rai recommend for Uttar Pradesh’s cybersecurity strategy?
Rai recommended that Uttar Pradesh move beyond merely consuming cybersecurity products to building an innovation ecosystem that develops indigenous cyber solutions and nurtures startups. He called for platforms connecting students, startups, technology companies and government departments.
Why is cybersecurity important for Uttar Pradesh?
With nearly 250 million citizens using digital public services, Uttar Pradesh faces both a significant challenge and opportunity in cybersecurity. As the state digitises more assets and delivers services electronically, securing this infrastructure becomes strategically critical.
What is the Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh conclave?
Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh is a conclave organised by TrendAI and Tech Observer that brings together policymakers, government officials and industry experts to discuss strengthening cybersecurity preparedness in the state.
What role does citizen awareness play in cybersecurity according to Rai?
Rai identified capacity building among citizens as one of the biggest challenges facing governments. He stressed the need for continuous public engagement through digital platforms and awareness programmes to help citizens understand cyber risks and adopt safe digital practices.