The Ministry of Defence recently organised the first session of ‘Def Connect 2019’ in New Delhi, India. The event showcased the accomplishments of iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) and introduced the iDEX portal along with the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)-III. This article will delve into the details of these initiatives and their respective objectives.
The Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Launched in 2018, iDEX is a strategic approach to foster innovation and technological development related to defence and aerospace. It provides a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs from various sectors, including start-ups, MSMEs, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, to contribute to the modernisation of the Indian military.
Core Objectives of iDEX
The primary aim of iDEX is to promote indigenisation through rapid development of innovative and home-grown technologies. It aims to create a culture that encourages engagement with start-ups and promotes co-creation. iDEX achieves this by providing funding and grants to stakeholders to carry out research and development. The initiative is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
iDEX Portal
The iDEX portal was initiated to provide wider publicity and enhance visibility of iDEX activities. It also aims to enable more efficient management of future challenges through superior information management.
Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
DIO is a not-for-profit organisation set up under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) fund the organisation. DIO’s role is to provide high-level policy guidance to iDEX.
Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC)
The DISC focuses on supporting start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators in creating prototypes or commercialising products/solutions in the field of national defence and security. It was initiated by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission.
Vision of DISC
The dual vision of DISC is to assist in the creation of functional prototypes relevant for national security. This helps to spur fast-paced innovation in the Indian defence sector. Furthermore, DISC aims to aid new tech products/technologies in finding a market and early customers within the Indian Defence Establishment.
Overview of DISC-III Program
Under DISC-III, three challenges were proposed for prospective start-ups from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The program encourages participation from start-ups, Indian companies, individual innovators, and even research & academic institutions.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| iDEX inception year | 2018 |
| DIO funding | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) |
| DISC partners | Ministry of Defence and Atal Innovation Mission |
| Participants in DISC-III | Start-ups, Indian companies, individual innovators, research & acadamic institutions |
Final Thoughts
These initiatives show a firm commitment towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities through indigenous innovation and development. By connecting defence with innovation, these platforms enable a strategic partnership between the Government, industries, and entrepreneurs, paving the way for a stronger national security network.
Sources: PIB