Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third edition of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies (ADITI 3.0) challenge and the 13th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13) at the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar, Swavlamban, on Tuesday in New Delhi. These initiatives are designed to strengthen indigenous defence technology development and enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Navy’s ADITI 3.0 challenge calls for innovative designs for a High-Power Microwave Weapon System. DISC 13 presents seven challenges from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, military communications, and autonomous robotics.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the achievements of the Swavlamban initiative, noting that since its launch in July 2022, the Indian Navy has received over 2,000 proposals from Indian industries through the SPRINT challenges. These submissions have been distilled into 155 targeted challenges, leading to 171 contracts. While Swavlamban has enabled collaboration with 213 MSMEs and start-ups under iDEX, resulting in the Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for over Rs. 2,000 crore across 19 projects, with contracts worth Rs. 784 crore already fulfilled.
Raksha Mantri shri @rajnathsingh today launched ADITI 3.0 & DISC 13 for indigenous innovation during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi . Indian Navy received 2,000+ proposals from Indian industries.… pic.twitter.com/GTT3q1Zfx3
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) October 29, 2024
He encouraged innovators and start-ups to develop products that could meet the future needs of the Armed Forces, underscoring the government’s strong support for innovation. Highlighting the success of digital transactions and the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity, he emphasized how these initiatives have enhanced transparency and efficiency across government scheme.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the public and private sectors in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive progress, bringing together all stakeholders. He highlighted that these collaborative efforts have reduced import dependency and fostered joint contributions from the public and private sectors toward self-reliance in defence. This focus has sparked a nationwide scientific, technological, and innovation revolution. Singh also credited India’s youth for driving the country’s startup ecosystem, which now exceeds 100,000 startups, with over 100 unicorns. ‘Startups are playing a vital role in defence manufacturing,’ he said, adding that young innovators are leading the charge towards a self-reliant India.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to becoming a ‘Fully Atmanirbhar Force’ by 2047. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) in achieving this ambitious goal.
Team BharatShakti
