Scheme ADITI with iDEX with funding of about 750cr launched for Start Ups by Defence minister Rajnath Singh
Key Benefits from Scheme ADITI
The scheme will focus on innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies from start-ups through grants of up to Rs 25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
The scheme operational for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence to develop around 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
According to the minister “The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology,” Singh said at an event.
In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges – Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) – to develop the latest technologies have been launched.
The project envisages creating a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem, the ministry said in a statement.
Singh in November last year at an event had informed that the government had released five positive indigenisation lists, under which 509 equipment were identified for manufacturing in India.
In addition, four positive indigenisation lists for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) were also promulgated, under which 4,666 items were identified, that will be manufactured within the country.
“Under offset, we are acquiring technology from various countries through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). But, like this, we cannot obtain the 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,” said Singh
