Pune, 17 October 2026: The Cybersecurity Domain Exploration Centre was inaugurated today at Laxmibai Bhaurao Patil Innovation Foundation (LBPIF) CIII, S. M. Joshi College Premises, Hadapsar, Pune. The Centre is a joint initiative of iDefence Innovations Pvt. Ltd. and the Laxmibai Bhaurao Patil Innovation Foundation (LBPIF), Center for Invention, Innovation & Incubation (CIII) Pune, built to bring cybersecurity and digital forensics learning to life.
The Centre was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Eknath Munde, In-charge Principal, S. M. Joshi College, Hadapsar and Director- LBPIF, Pune in the presence of Prin. Dr. Helkar S.D.,Principal, Arts and Commerce College, Pusegaon and Prin. Dr. Jadhav Vaishali Vijay, Principal, Ismailsaheb Mulla Law College, Satara
Hands-on learning, from fundamentals to real-world applications
The Centre will give students and professionals practical exposure to cybersecurity and digital forensics, from foundational concepts to real-world applications. It is designed as a space where learners can explore the field first-hand and build job-ready skills.
A vision led by industry
The initiative was led by Lt Col Santosh Khadsare (Retd), Founder and CEO of iDefence Innovations Pvt. Ltd., who was instrumental in bringing together industry partners and domain experts in support of the Centre. This collaboration ensures that learners benefit from practical, industry-aligned guidance rather than theory alone.
“Cybersecurity is a team sport. We brought industry and experts under one roof so our youth learn from practitioners, not just textbooks, and step into real careers in cybersecurity and digital forensics.”
Lt Col Santosh Khadsare (Retd), Founder and CEO, iDefence Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Industry experts joining hands
The initiative has also received the support of leading digital forensics practitioners who have joined hands with the Centre:
• Nachiket Dandekar, Founder and Director, Sana Cyber Forensics Investigation and Data Security Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Mukesh Bhandarge, a prominent digital forensics expert and Founder and Managing Director, Excellent Cyber Forensics and Web Securities LLP
Their association brings real-world investigative experience to the Centre and strengthens its mission of offering practitioner-led learning.
Why it matters: reaching youth and rural communities
As India’s digital footprint grows, cyber threats such as online fraud, identity theft and data breaches no longer affect only large organisations. They reach students, first-time internet users and families in small towns and villages. Awareness and skills in these communities remain limited, which makes them especially vulnerable.
The Centre aims to change this by taking cybersecurity to the youth and to rural areas. It will help young people understand digital risks, adopt safe online practices and consider careers in cybersecurity and digital forensics, and help build a more secure digital India from the ground up.
Free awareness program during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
As its first public outreach, and in line with Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), the Centre will host a free awareness program:
• Date: 27 October
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Venue: LBPIF CIII Pune, S. M. Joshi College Premises, Hadapsar, Pune
• Topics: cyber threats and risks, safe online practices, digital safety for students and common users, real-life cybersecurity scenarios, and tips to stay safe and aware
About iDefence Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
iDefence Innovations Pvt. Ltd. is an Authorised Training Centre for EC-Council, offering official certification training in Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, Incident Response and more, along with customised training programs for organisations. Learn more at https://idefence-innovations.com/.
About 4n6.org.in
For more on digital forensics and related resources, visit https://4n6.org.in/.
This is just the beginning of our journey towards a stronger, more secure digital future. Stay tuned for upcoming programs and sessions.
