India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched an innovation contest called ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ on the 5th death anniversary of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was well-known as the missile man of India. The primary aim of this contest is to foster innovation in defense and aerospace technologies within the country.
The ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ Initiative
The ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest is an open challenge aimed at promoting innovators and startups across the nation. It follows the call of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Through this innovative initiative, DRDO is encouraging individuals and startups to come forward and contribute to defense and aerospace technologies. This initiative forms a critical part of the Indian government’s dedication to being self-reliant in terms of defense capabilities, which aligns with the broader mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Incentives for Innovators
To encourage participation, DRDO has announced significant awards for the competition winners. The organization will offer up to Rs.10 lakh for the startup category and Rs.5 lakh to the individual category. Such generous awards are designed to stimulate interest and drive efforts in the existing startups and among individual innovators. It serves as an incentive to motivate pioneers who can potentially bring transformative changes in the country’s defense and aerospace sectors.
About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
The ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest was launched in memory of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, often referred to as the missile man of India. This commemoration is fitting as Dr. Kalam was part of numerous successful projects for the development of ballistic missiles and satellite launch vehicle technologies throughout his life. He played a pivotal role in revolutionizing India’s space and defense technology landscape.
Kalam served as the 11th President of India, holding the office from 2002 to 2007, and was celebrated for his dedication towards technological advancements and his vision of a self-reliant India.
The Impact of ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’
The ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest is expected to stimulate growth and innovation in the defense and aerospace sectors. By empowering startups and individual innovators to contribute significantly to these industries, the initiative could potentially trigger a wave of local ingenuity and invention necessary for the country’s defense self-sufficiency. Moreover, this innovative competition offers an opportunity to propel India onto the global stage in terms of defense and aerospace technology advancement.
Through initiatives like ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’, the Indian government continues to honor the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, by encouraging scientific temper and nurturing innovative minds. This, in turn, aligns with the larger goal of a self-reliant India as envisioned in the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.
