Pioneering Defence Innovation: Modi Government’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Boost Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, New Delhi: In a transformative move aimed at positioning India as a self-reliant research and technology hub, the Modi government has unveiled a series of initiatives targeting the defence sector. With a vision aligned to the broader goals of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, these policies seek to elevate indigenous defence equipment manufacturing while fostering innovation through collaboration with startups and academia.
Key Initiatives Driving Change
1. Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme
The TDF Scheme, a flagship program executed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is instrumental in fostering innovation. By providing funding of up to Rs. 50 crore per project, the TDF aims to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups with the necessary resources to develop cutting-edge defence technologies. Since its inception, 79 projects costing Rs 334.02 crore have already been sanctioned, marking a significant step towards indigenous technology development.
2. DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE)
To streamline research and development, the government has established numerous DIA-CoEs across premier institutions such as IISc Bangalore and various IITs. These centres are designed to encourage focused research in defence and security environments, offering state-of-the-art labs and infrastructure. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that theoretical research translates into practical applications benefitting the defence sector.
3. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Framework
Launched to stimulate innovation within the defence and aerospace sectors, the iDEX framework encompasses a wide range of participants, including startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators. With a government-backed budget of Rs 498.80 crore from 2021-2026 to support approximately 300 projects, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering technological advancement in national defence. So far, 264 projects, with a total cost approximating Rs 930 crore, have received funding under this ambit.
Dare to Dream Innovation Contest
To inspire further innovation, the DRDO has organized the annual “Dare to Dream” Innovation Contest since 2019, inviting ideas from individuals, startups, and enterprises. The recently launched Dare to Dream 5.0 is currently underway, showcasing a creative platform for innovators in the defence and aerospace domains. Winners are not only awarded cash prizes amounting to Rs 543 lakh across several iterations but are also supported in transforming their ideas into prototypes through the TDF scheme.
Modi’s proactive approach
The Modi government’s proactive approach to establishing India as a research and technology hub in the defence sector reflects its commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation. As these initiatives gain traction, the Indian defence landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation, one that promises to drive growth and enhance national security through collaboration between industry, innovators, and academic institutions. With a blueprint for success already in place, India is poised to emerge as a formidable player in the global defence technology market.
As these initiatives unfold, the country will not only witness technological advancements but also heightened opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship within a critical sector that has traditionally relied on imports. Moving forward, the effectiveness and outcomes of these initiatives will be crucial in assessing their long-term impact on India’s defence capabilities.
