DefConnect 2024: Rajnath Singh launches ADITI scheme, Allocates ₹750 crore to Promote Innovation in Defence Technologies

Defense News ,India :-  The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the creation of a corpus of ₹750 crore under the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. The scheme, launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi, aims to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.

"The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology," the Raksha Mantri said as he addressed a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers.

He stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is to also 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.

Support for Start-ups :

Start-ups under the ADITI scheme are eligible to receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavors in defence technology, said in an official statement. This initiative is expected to nurture the innovation of youth and propel the country forward in the field of technology.

Key Objectives of ADITI Scheme

• Technological Advancement: ADITI aims to develop approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies between 2023-24 and 2025-26. It also aims to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem through a 'Technology Watch Tool.'

• Challenges and Opportunities: In its first edition, ADITI has launched 17 challenges across various branches of the armed forces and defence agencies, inviting innovative solutions from start-ups and entrepreneurs.

• Expansion of iDEX: The scheme marks an expansion of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, with iDEX Prime offering increased assistance from ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore to motivate young innovators.

• Vision of Self-Reliance: Rajnath Singh emphasized the Government's vision of attaining self-reliance in defence production. He stated that the nation cannot remain dependent on the import of weapons/platforms, as it can be fatal for strategic autonomy.

• Government's Efforts: The Defence Minister highlighted the efforts being made by the Government to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence production, including notifying positive indigenisation lists of major platforms & equipment that are being/will be manufactured in India.

• Government's Vision for Self-Reliance: Rajnath Singh reiterated the government's commitment to encouraging self-reliance in defence production. He highlighted the significant increase in domestic defence production from around ₹44,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1 lakh crore today, emphasizing the positive impact of government initiatives.

He suggested to the Department of Defence Production (DDP) that “in the coming 4-5 years, the Ministry 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”.

He went on to voice Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's unwavering commitment to encourage the youth to bring forth innovative ideas. He asserted that to motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. Following the encouraging participation in providing solutions to the challenges given by the Services and DPSUs, ADITI scheme has now been launched, he said.

He stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is to also 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.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

The launch of the ADITI Scheme and other initiatives during DefConnect 2024 underscores the government's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production. These efforts 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.

The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem. The DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements - Indian Army (4), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (7) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (1) - aimed at addressing critical defence challenges, inviting innovators to propose innovative solutions that can enhance the country's defence capabilities and contribute to national security, as per the statement.

"Under offset, we are acquiring technology from various countries through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). But, like this, we cannot obtain best technologies as countries never share their latest innovations. This is why there is a need to develop the required technologies on our own. For this, we need research and development (R&D). There are a number of conditions that need to be fulfilled to establish a productive R&D ecosystem. India has a large workforce of energetic and skilled youth who are committed to taking India forward in the field of technology. When we have such a skilled workforce, we should not shy away from setting ambitious goals. Our 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," he said.

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster investment in defence start-ups, iDEX announced Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) 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. The strategic partnerships have now taken the pledge to funds, from ₹200 crore to more than ₹500 crore, as per the Ministry.

Technology Showcase:

As part of DefConnect 2024, a technology showcase was organized by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) with a diverse range of technology start-ups at the forefront of innovation in the defence sector. These start-ups are revolutionizing key areas 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.