In a significant move towards fostering innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
The scheme aims to promote research, development, and innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies by providing start-ups with grants of up to Rs 25 crore.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of nurturing the innovation of youth to propel India forward in the field of technology.
The ADITI scheme, with a budget of Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, falls under the iDEX framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
It seeks to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies and create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the requirements of the Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
Under the scheme, 17 challenges have been launched by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space Agency, inviting innovative solutions to address critical defence challenges.
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the Government’s commitment to encouraging young innovators, mentioning the expansion of iDEX to iDEX Prime with increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. He emphasized the importance of transforming India into a knowledge society and leveraging technology to achieve self-reliance in defence production.
The launch of the ADITI scheme coincided with the 11th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), which introduced 22 problem statements aimed at enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.
Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the significance of acquiring state-of-the-art defence technology, stating that India’s self-reliance in defence production is crucial for strategic autonomy.
During the event, a technology showcase by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) featured cutting-edge innovations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, and Wearable Technology.
The event also hosted a panel discussion on ‘Women as Drivers of Change,’ exploring the role of women in shaping the future of defence innovation.
Furthermore, DefConnect 2024 witnessed the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program to nurture young talent in defence innovation and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH) to facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups.
The launch of the ADITI scheme and other initiatives underscores the Government’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production.
These initiatives are poised to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation, ensuring the nation’s security and sovereignty in the years to come.
