DefConnect 2024 Inauguration: During DefConnect 2024, Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 04, 2024. Start-ups can receive grants in aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology. The Raksha Mantri said, “The scheme will nurture youth’s creativity and make the country a step ahead in the realm of technology.”
The ADITI Scheme
The ADITI scheme, worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence. The project aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe. A technology watch tool will be created to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem. 17 challenges have been launched in the first edition of ADITI.
Rajnath Singh affirmed the commitment of the Narendra Modi-led Government to encourage youngsters to come up with fresh ideas. In order to motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from 1.5 crore to 10 crore. Following the encouraging participation in providing solutions to the challenges given by the Services and DPSUs, the ADITI scheme has now been launched. He said.
The Raksha Mantri stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is also to transform India into a knowledge society. New technologies are coming into existence as the times change. Achieving a technological edge is crucial for transforming into a developed nation. He said, “We must transform our country into a knowledge society.”
DefConnect 2024 Inauguration: The DISC 11
A new chapter in the collaboration between the defense establishment and the start-up world was inaugurated at the event, marking the 11th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge. The DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements – Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and Hindustan Shipyard Limited – aimed at addressing critical defence challenges, inviting innovators to propose innovative solutions that can enhance the countries’ defense capabilities and contribute to national security.
The increasing role of cutting-edge technology in warfare in today’s time, according to Shri Rajnath Singh, makes it crucial to acquire state-of-art defence technology in order to achieve self-reliance. He said that technology can be mastered by incorporating the newest advancements from other countries or by inventing our own. He stressed that the government is working on both methods and that the government is working on both methods.
Under offset, we are acquiring technology from various countries through foreign direct investment (FDI) But, like this, we cannot obtain the best technologies because countries never share their latest innovations. This is why we need to develop the required technologies on our own. For this, we require research and development (R&D) A productive R&D ecosystem requires a number of conditions to be met. There are many energetic and skilled youth in India who are committed to taking India forward in technology. When we have such a skilled workforce, we should not hesitate to set ambitious goals. The Raksha Mantri said that the youth are fully empowered to make India self-reliant in the defence sector, and the government is providing them with the environment to touch greater heights.
DefConnect 2024 Inauguration
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the Government’s vision of attaining self-reliance as soon as it came to power. He said the nation cannot remain dependent on import of weapons/platforms as it can be fatal for strategic autonomy. It’s impossible for India to make decisions on global issues on its own, according to him.
Only when arms and equipment are made in India by our own people can strategic autonomy be maintained. We are working towards achieving this, and the results are positive. Our domestic defence production was around Rs 44,000 crore in 2014, but today it has crossed the record figure of Rs 1 lakh crore and is growing continuously. Our consistent efforts were responsible for this change. Tough decisions were made. The status quo needed to be disrupted, the Raksha Mantri said, pointing out a number of steps taken to promote domestic manufacturing, such as allocating 75% of the defense capital procurement budget to Indian firms.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that governance and economic activity are interdependent, and the private sector requires a platform to flourish, which is being provided by the government to achieve the objective of boosting the economy. The law and order, healthy and skilled workforce, rule of law and research and development ecosystem are some of the aspects that are needed to provide a platform for the private sector. He added, “Society and the government together provide these requirements so that the private sector moves forward and boosts the productivity and capacity of the economy.”
Aatmanirbharta in Defence Production
Raksha Mantri highlighted the efforts being made by the government to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ 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, within the next 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.
A diverse range of technology start-ups at the forefront of innovation in the defence sector were showcased as part of DefConnect 2024. Key areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics, underwater detection and communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, wearable technology, blast and ballistics proof structures and equipment, smart textiles and cyber security are being revolutionised by these start-ups. These start-up companies represented cutting-edge technologies and innovations, offering solutions to enhance defence capabilities, strengthen national security, and safeguard national interests. The showcase highlighted the immense potential of the Indian innovation ecosystem in advancing defense technology.
Memorandums of Understanding: DefConnect 2024 Inauguration
Furthermore, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster investment in defence start-ups, iDEX announced Memorandums of Understanding with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH) These partnerships will facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups, providing them with the necessary capital and support to scale their ventures and drive innovation in the sector. They will also provide them with the necessary capital and support to scale their ventures and drive innovation in the sector. The pledge to funds has increased from Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 500 crore.
The introduction of the ADITI Scheme, DISC 11, and other initiatives during DefConnect 2024 demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to encourage creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and self-reliance in defense production. India’s progress towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation will be accelerated by these initiatives, ensuring the country’s safety and sovereignty for the foreseeable future.
