Pune: With the objective of developing a robust talent pipeline for India’s rapidly evolving automotive cybersecurity sector, the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd., and JagMangal Social Foundation (PRAYAAS) jointly organized the Automotive Cybersecurity Principals Meet 2026 – Leadership and Institutional Engagement Meet on Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem.” The initiative was inaugurated virtually by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasized that the increasing integration of software, artificial intelligence (AI), connected technologies, and digital systems into modern vehicles has made automotive cybersecurity a critical pillar of safe and reliable mobility. He stated that cybersecurity is no longer limited to protecting vehicles alone; it is intrinsically linked to road safety, public safety, national security, and consumer confidence. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, and research institutions to build a resilient automotive cybersecurity ecosystem for India.
The event was attended by Dr. Devendra Singh, Director, Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT); Mr. Farukh Makhdoom, Head – MDC & Automotive Cybersecurity, CIRT; Ms. Priya Gujarathi, Founder Director, JagMangal Social Foundation; Dr. Shahaji Solunkhe (IPS Retd.), Former Special Inspector General of Police; Mr. Jagannath Tiwari, Director & Co-founder, AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Vikram Pagare, Head – Operations, AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd.; Vidyavachaspati Vidyanand Prof. Dr. Shailesh Kulkarni, Advisor – Education, JagMangal Social Foundation; Mr. Rahul Sultane, Managing Director, Saaketh Electro Circuits Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Milind Pagare, Vice President – Research & Development, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Mr. Lokesh Kumar, Expert – Technical Training & Industrial Applications, Škoda Volkswagen Group; Mr. Mahesh Shahapure, Senior Vice President – R&D, Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles; Mr. Arun Bisht, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing; Mr. Philip John, Divisional Manager, Ashok Leyland; along with Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman, ASM Group of Insitutues, Dr. Mohan Vaman, Vice Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU), Dr. Ashish Panat, Vice Chancellor, SNBP University Pune, Dr. Santosh Sonawane, Pimpri Chinchwad University, Dr. Sohan Chitalange, Vice Chancellor, Allard Univesity, Dr. Kirti Dharwadkar, and several distinguished representatives from academia, research organizations, and the automotive industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Devendra Singh, Director, CIRT, stated that the Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem is a strategic initiative for the future of mobility. Its primary objective is to develop industry-ready, highly skilled professionals capable of addressing emerging technological challenges. He noted that strong collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and research organizations will position India as a global leader in automotive cybersecurity.
Mr. Farukh Makhdoom highlighted that, in alignment with global regulations, the Government of India has introduced Cyber Security Management System (CSMS)and Software Update Management System (SUMS) frameworks for vehicles. These regulatory measures will significantly strengthen cybersecurity standards across the automotive sector and ensure greater safety for connected and software-defined vehicles.
Mr. Tejas Gujarathi, Founder, JagMangal Social Foundation (PRAYAAS), announced that from 15th September, the organizations will conduct India’s first large-scale Automotive Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign for 50,000 BCA, MCA, and Engineering students. The campaign aims to introduce students to software-defined vehicles, cybersecurity threats, emerging technologies, industry expectations, and career opportunities in automotive cybersecurity.
Mr. Vikram Pagare, Head – Operations, AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd., explained that modern vehicles have evolved from purely mechanical machines into software-driven connected digital platforms. As a result, there is an unprecedented demand for skilled automotive cybersecurity professionals across vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and mobility technology companies.
To address this growing need, the partners have developed the Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem (ACTDE) More than a training programme, ACTDE is envisioned as a long-term collaborative ecosystem connecting industry, educational institutions, and technology experts. Through advanced laboratories, vehicle security testing, industry projects, hands-on learning, and experiential training, the initiative seeks to prepare a globally competitive workforce for the automotive cybersecurity sector.
The event concluded with a strong message that the future of mobility will not be defined merely by electric or connected vehicles, but by vehicles that are secure, trusted, and cyber-resilient.
The initiative is expected to create significant career opportunities for Indian students in the global automotive cybersecurity domain while strengthening India’s journey towards building safer, smarter, and more secure mobility technologies. Connect at director@jmsfindia.com
About CIRT:
For over six decades, the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, has been the cornerstone of India’s automotive research, testing, and training ecosystem under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). As the Approval Authority under CMVR Rules 124 & 126, the Designated Agency under MoRTH, and the Command & Control Centre for Bharat NCAP Star Rating, CIRT holds a mandate matched by few institutions nationally. With state-of-the-art testing facilities, a growing leadership position in automotive cybersecurity, and a legacy of 2,000+ training programmes reaching 80,000+ government officers and transport professionals, CIRT enters its Diamond Jubilee year positioned not just as a regulator, but as the architect of India’s next generation of road transport safety, compliance, and innovation.
Website: https://www.cirtindia.com/
About Autosifu Pvt Ltd.:
AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd. is a leading automotive cybersecurity and software compliance company specializing in end-to-end engineering solutions for connected, software-defined, and intelligent vehicles. The company supports automotive OEMs and suppliers in achieving compliance with global regulations and standards, including UN R155, UN R156, ISO/SAE 21434, ISO 24089, and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Through its expertise in Cybersecurity Management Systems (CSMS), Software Update Management Systems (SUMS), Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA), penetration testing, security validation, and cybersecurity engineering, AutoSifu enables the automotive industry to develop secure, compliant, and future-ready mobility solutions for global markets.
Website: https://www.autosifu.com/
About JagMangal Social Foundation
JagMangal Social Foundation is a Section 8 organisation committed to building safer, skilled, sustainable and future-ready communities.
We empower youth and communities through education, skills, technology, safety and opportunities for social, personal and professional growth.
With 45,000+ young lives impacted to date, we turn awareness into capability, ideas into action, and learning into lasting social impact.
Website: https://www.jagmangal.com/
