The Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) has been introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as a groundbreaking initiative. This programme is intended to enhance India’s digital identity framework by fostering collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and the corporate sector. The focus is on promoting homegrown, AI-based innovations that improve the security, scalability, and reliability of Aadhaar authentication.
SITAA prioritises the development of cutting-edge technologies, including real-time deepfake detection, AI-driven facial liveness verification systems, and contactless fingerprint authentication methods. UIDAI is currently accepting proposals for these pilot challenges, with the application window open until 15 November 2025.
In order to bolster this initiative, UIDAI has teamed up with the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM, who will serve as key strategic partners. MSH is set to offer mentorship, incubation, and accelerator programmes, while NASSCOM will assist in establishing industry collaborations and promoting global outreach.
UIDAI emphasised that the SITAA programme demonstrates India’s dedication to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and self-sufficient digital identity ecosystem.
SITAA’s Core Challenges
Highlights
1. Face Liveness Detection
Startups are encouraged to create software development kits (SDKs) capable of detecting spoofing attempts, including deepfakes, masks, and morphs. The proposed solutions must operate effectively across diverse demographics, devices, and situations, while supporting both server and edge deployment with minimal impact on user experience.
2. Presentation Attack Detection
This challenge is aimed at research institutions focused on developing AI and machine learning systems capable of detecting print, replay, morph, and adversarial attacks in real-time or near-real-time scenarios. Solutions need to maintain high accuracy, comply with privacy standards, and ensure interoperability with Aadhaar APIs, all in accordance with the Aadhaar Act.
3. Contactless Fingerprint Authentication
Proposals are sought for SDKs that facilitate contactless fingerprint authentication using standard smartphone cameras or reasonably priced imaging devices. These must ensure liveness detection, quality assurance, and AFIS-compliant templates, while functioning efficiently on mobile and edge devices.
Through SITAA, UIDAI aims to strengthen Aadhaar’s protective measures at a time when biometric fraud and sophisticated deepfake technologies are on the rise. This initiative aligns with the national focus on Digital Public Infrastructure and Atmanirbhar Bharat, contributing to India’s quest for technological self-sufficiency in identity systems.
