• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate DefConnect 4.0, an event aimed at fostering indigenous innovation in defence and aerospace sectors.
• The event will feature a technology showcase, allowing innovators to exhibit their advanced capabilities and products.
• iDEX, launched in 2018, has been instrumental in fostering innovation in the defence sector, collaborating with over 450 start-ups and MSMEs.
• The ADITI scheme, aimed at nurturing innovation, allows start-ups to receive up to Rs 25 crore for their research and development in defence technology.

In a significant move to bolster indigenous innovation in the defence and aerospace sectors, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate DefConnect 4.0 in the national capital. The event, organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence - Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the Defence Ministry's Department of Defence Production, is a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

DefConnect 4.0, taking place at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, is a milestone in India's defence innovation journey. It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), industry leaders, innovators, start-ups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, incubators, investors, and policymakers. This convergence of key players in the defence sector is aimed at fostering collaboration and sparking dialogue that drives innovation forward.

The event will feature an exciting technology showcase, presenting iDEX innovators with a unique opportunity to exhibit their cutting-edge technologies, advanced capabilities, and ground-breaking products. This showcase is designed to engage a diverse audience of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and sparking dialogue that drives innovation forward with a focus on forging powerful collaborations.

DefConnect 4.0: A Platform for Innovation

DefConnect 4.0 will also feature launches and announcements by the Defence Minister, alongside interactive and engaging sessions featuring industry leaders and defence stalwarts. A themed session focusing on recent budget announcements, key takeaways for the defence innovation ecosystem, and the latest initiatives in the semiconductor domain will also be part of the event.

iDEX, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, has been instrumental in fostering innovation in the defence sector. It has launched 11 editions of Defence India Start-up Challenges and has garnered over 9,000 applications. It is currently collaborating with more than 450 start-ups and MSMEs on important projects.

iDEX continues to provide a unified platform for various stakeholders in the defence and aerospace sectors, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Earlier in March, during the launch of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme at DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi, Defence Minister Singh strongly pitched for the country's strategic autonomy. He stated that the nation cannot remain dependent on the import of weapons as it can be fatal for strategic autonomy. "Without self-reliance, India cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with its national interests," the Defence Minister had said.

ADITI Scheme: Nurturing Innovation

The ADITI scheme, aimed at nurturing innovation and helping the country leap forward in the field of technology, is a testament to the government's commitment to achieving a technological edge. "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 must transform our country into a knowledge society," Singh said.

Under the scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology. Rajnath Singh emphasised that governance and commerce or business are codependent and the private sector needs a platform to flourish, which is being provided by the Government to achieve the goal of strengthening the economy.