ADITI 2.0 features challenges in AI, Quantum Technology, Military Communication, Anti-Drone Systems & Adaptive Camouflage
The Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh launched the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on 07th October 2024.
ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems customised for military platforms and adaptive camouflage, and more. This scheme offers a grant of up to Rs 25 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) winners, focusing on critical technological areas crucial for strengthening the defence ecosystem of the country.
DISC 12 presents 41 challenges across key technology domains, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AI, Networking and Communication, with grants up to Rs 1.50 crore. Notably, it introduces the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative, featuring nine challenges aimed at fostering the development of medical technologies to meet the medical demands of the Armed Forces. To provide momentum to the iDEX initiative, DISC was launched in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, aimed at supporting startups/MSMEs/Innovators to create prototypes and/or commercialise solutions in the area of national defence and security.
In his address, the Defence Minister commended DefConnect for playing a crucial role in developing the culture of innovation in the country. He stated that the platform is bringing a new energy to the defence industrial ecosystem, and making the nation’s talent a partner in strengthening the security apparatus. Terming DefConnect as an important link between all the stakeholders associated with the defence ecosystem, he exuded confidence that the platform will help in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
The Minister informed that iDEX has received over 9,000 applications so far, and is currently collaborating with over 450 startups & MSMEs through DISC and Open Challenge. He added that 26 products have been developed under iDEX, for which procurement orders worth more than Rs 1,000 crore have been placed. In addition, Acceptance of Necessity and Request for Proposal worth over Rs 2,380 crore have been issued for 37 products. The ADITI initiative is focusing on over 30 critical and strategic technologies to strengthen the defence ecosystem, he added.
Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment to further enhance the role of the private sector in the defence ecosystem. Their involvement is necessary to achieve self-reliance, he highlighted.
On the backdrop of the ADITI 2.0, the Minister appreciated the ‘SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund’, stating that the collaboration will meet the critical funding needs of innovators. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) will allocate Rs 50 crore to 10 leading partner incubators, including the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer at IIT Delhi, Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at IIT Bombay, and Technology-Hub Hyderabad, to fund iDEX winners in advancing critical defence technologies.
Stressing on the need to move forward from imitative to innovative and distinctive technologies, the Defence Minister called upon the private sector to think beyond the solutions to challenges being provided through ADITI & DISC.
On the occasion, Singh also felicitated the ADITI 1.0 winners and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. Leading iDEX winners showcased their cutting-edge solutions related to Munition Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Communication Systems & Space Technologies, as part of DefConnect 2024. The winners include QuNu Labs, Sagar Defence Technologies, Astrome Technologies, Zeus Numerix Pvt. Ltd., NewSpace Research and Technologies, Pixxel Space India etc.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, OSD, Department of Defence RK Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Sugata Ghosh Dastidar, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence, industry leaders, academia, young entrepreneurs, and innovators attended the event.
(With inputs from PIB)
