Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) initiative at DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on Monday. This scheme aims to boost advancements in crucial and strategic defence technologies. Start-ups under this program can avail of grants of up to Rs 25 crore to support their research, development, and innovation activities in the defence technology domain. Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, the Minister emphasised that “the scheme will nurture the innovation of youth and help the country leap forward in the field of technology.”
Innovation Boost
The ADITI initiative, valued at Rs 750 crore for the duration spanning 2023-24 to 2025-26, is a component of the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework within the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence. It aims to advance around 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the specified timeframe. At the same time, the scheme seeks to establish a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem. In its inaugural edition, ADITI has introduced 17 challenges, encompassing the Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), and Defence Space Agency (4), according to the Ministry.
Vouching the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovative ideas among the youth, Singh emphasised the expansion of iDEX to iDEX Prime. To inspire young innovators further, the assistance has been increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. Singh highlighted the positive engagement and solutions offered by participants in response to challenges posed by the Services and DPSUs, leading to the launch of the ADITI scheme.
The Defence Minister stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime is also to transform India into a knowledge society. “As times are changing, new technologies are coming into existence. To become a developed country, it is necessary for us to achieve a technological edge. We have to transform our country into a knowledge society,” he said.
Start-Up Challenge with 22 Problem Statements Unveiled
The event marked the commencement of the 11th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC), marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the defence sector and the startup community. DISC 11 presents 22 problem statements, with allocations for the Indian Army (4), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (7), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (1). These problem statements are designed to tackle crucial defence challenges, encouraging innovators to submit inventive solutions that can augment the nation’s defence capabilities and bolster national security.
Negative Import List on Cards
The Defence Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence production, including notifying positive indigenisation lists of major platforms and equipment that are being/will be manufactured in India. He suggested to the DDP that “in the coming 4-5 years, we should come out with a short negative list containing items that will be imported, and we should strive to eliminate that list to achieve complete self-reliance”.
Defence Rajnath Singh Minister Visits Stalls of DefConnect 2024
As part of DefConnect 2024, the iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) organised a technology showcase featuring diverse technology startups that are leading innovation in the defence sector. These startups are pioneering advancements in crucial domains such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Undersea Detection and Communication, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Wearable Technology, Blast & Ballistics Proof Structures and Equipment, smart textiles, and cyber security. Representing cutting-edge technologies and innovations, these startups provide solutions to enhance defence capabilities, fortify national security, and safeguard national interests. The showcase highlighted the substantial potential of the Indian innovation ecosystem in contributing to defence technology.
In addition, DefConnect 2024 witnessed the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program aimed at nurturing young talent and providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in defence innovation. This initiative seeks to groom the next generation of innovators and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the defence innovation ecosystem.
As part of its ongoing efforts to foster investment in defence startups, iDEX announced Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH). These partnerships will facilitate increased investment in defence startups, providing them the necessary capital and support to scale their ventures and drive innovation in the sector. These strategic partnerships have pledged funds from Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 500 crore.
The introduction of the ADITI Scheme, DISC 11, and various other initiatives at DefConnect 2024 highlights the Government’s steadfast dedication to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency in defence production. These endeavours are positioned to expedite India’s progress in emerging as a prominent global force in defence technology and innovation, safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty in the foreseeable future.
Ravi Shankar
