SANS Institute, a translational leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, and the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cybersecurity skills, workforce readiness, knowledge sharing and academic collaboration in Uttar Pradesh.
The three-year partnership creates a framework for SANS Institute and UPSIFS to collaborate on initiatives that connect academic education with practical, practitioner-led cybersecurity expertise. The collaboration will support cybersecurity capability development among UPSIFS students, faculty and other agreed participants, while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange across academia and government.
The MoU was signed during International Dialogue 2026 at the UPSIFS campus in Lucknow in presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath. The CM attended as the Chief Guest.
“Building a strong cybersecurity workforce requires more than technical knowledge. Students need opportunities to apply what they learn, develop practical skills and understand how those capabilities translate into real-world careers,” said Arindam Roy, Country Director, South Asia, SANS Institute. “Through our collaboration with UPSIFS, we aim to connect academic learning with practitioner-led cybersecurity expertise, helping students build the skills, confidence and perspective needed to succeed in India’s rapidly evolving digital economy.”
Under the MoU, SANS Institute and UPSIFS may collaborate on cybersecurity education and skills development activities including guest lectures, seminars, webinars, cybersecurity awareness sessions, practical workshops and Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions.
The organisations may also identify opportunities for UPSIFS students, faculty and other agreed participants to access SANS cybersecurity training programs, certifications and related learning opportunities. Specific future initiatives will be subject to mutual written agreement.
The partnership complements UPSIFS’s Law with Labs® model, which integrates law, science and technology. As a flagship institution of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, UPSIFS has facilities spanning Cyber Forensics, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drones, 3-D printing, forensic DNA, digital diagnostics and advanced forensic instrumentation.
“By combining SANS Institute’s internationally recognised expertise with UPSIFS’s distinctive ‘Law with Labs’ approach, we aim to equip young professionals, investigators and institutions with advanced technical skills, forensic competence and a strong understanding of legal compliance. This collaboration will contribute meaningfully to a cyber-resilient, trusted and future-ready India,” added DR. G.K. Goswami, Director UPSIFS.
International Dialogue 2026 that brought about 1200 participants across the ecosystem focuses on areas including AI, cyber forensics, quantum technologies, data protection and legal compliance. Its objectives include strengthening cyber resilience, developing industry-ready talent and creating a continuing Policy–Industry–Academia dialogue.
