The U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem (INDUS-X) is a new public-private partnership launched in 2023 by the U.S. and Indian governments to promote technology innovation and collaboration in the defense sector. Against the backdrop of shared security interests and deepening strategic ties, INDUS-X aims to harness emerging technologies to accelerate solutions for 21st century defense needs.
Understanding INDUS-X
- Joint initiative between U.S. Department of Defense and Indian Ministry of Defense
- Launched in February 2023 during U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
- Key goals:
- Foster technology cooperation in defense
- Catalyze private sector R&D and innovation
- Identify new capabilities for collaboration
- Brings together government, industry, startups, academia
- Aligned with policy priorities like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Priority Areas
INDUS-X is structuring public-private Tracks for collaborative innovation across 5 key areas:
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy
- AI for decision superiority, predictive maintenance, logistics
- Autonomous vehicles, robotics, swarm systems
- Example company: Engineer.ai (India)- AI, data annotation
Human-Machine Teaming
- Advanced interfaces, augmented/virtual reality
- Exoskeletons, wearable tech
- Example company: NuEra (U.S.)- Drones, sensors
Networks and Communications
- Secure microelectronics, semiconductors
- Quantum tech, advanced materials
- Example company: Saankhya Labs (India)- Chipsets, antennas
Biotechnology
- Integrated biosurveillance, med tech
- Soldier health monitoring, diagnostics
- Example company: PathShodh (India)- Diagnostics
Space
- Launch systems, responsive constellations
- Positioning, navigation and timing
- Example company: Ananth Technologies (India)- Subsystems, ground stations
Enabling Ecosystem
To transform emerging science and technology into fielded capabilities, INDUS-X is fostering an accelerator ecosystem spanning:
Innovation Pipeline
- Challenge calls for dual-use tech solutions
- Fast track testing, acquisition
- Funding for joint R&D projects
Infrastructure Access
- Test beds, tech demos
- Interoperability solutions
- Cloud credits, compute resources
Investor Networks
- Cross-border VC connectivity
- Pitch events, investor forums
- Incentives for early-stage funding
Workforce Development
- Skills training, talent exchange
- Hackathons, challenges
- University research partnerships
INDUS-X in Action
In its first year, INDUS-X has catalyzed 30+ partnerships on emerging technology projects valued at over $100 million. Select examples:
- Project Tejas: IIT-Delhi and U.S. Air Force Research Lab demonstrate secure chip-to-chip communications using quantum key distribution in Hyderabad.
Swarajability Challenge: 15 Indian startups collaborate with U.S. Army Research Lab on swarm robotics for disaster response scenarios.
- DetectRx: SCTIMST and MIT Lincoln Lab pilot biosurveillance solutions for tropical diseases in Andaman & Nicobar islands using edge analytics.
Projections
INDUS-X aims to enable over $1 billion in public and private sector investment and generate 40 dual-use technologies over 5 years.
| Year | Partnerships | Tech Demo Projects | Workforce Trained |
| 2023 | 30 | 10 | 500 |
| 2025 | 180 | 75 | 5000 |
| 2028 | 360 | 150 | 25000 |
The roadmap also includes special initiatives with Indian states to co-create AI test beds, smart manufacturing hubs, and other infrastructure.
- INDUS-X announcement came during visit of U.S. Secretaries Blinken and Austin to India in February 2024
- Initial funding includes $50 million from U.S. Department of Defense and ₹300 crores from Government of India
- INDUS-X has tie-ups with over 20 top defense manufacturers in India including Tata, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence
- First large-scale project is a joint drone swarm development effort between Northrop Grumman and ideaForge Technology
- Joint quantum communication test bed inaugurated in Bengaluru in partnership between Coeus Age and Raytheon
- INDUS-X Startup Studio launched to provide seed funding and support for early-stage defense tech startups through Accelerator Program
- Current priority calls for proposals include soldier wearables, AI-enabled logistics management, secured devices for battlefield
- INDUS Security Challenge held in January 2024 saw participation from over 300 startups competing to provide innovative solutions
- Six partnerships announced so far under Space track including Ananth-Isro Gaganyaan supply chain collaboration
- Partnership with NASSCOM and India Defense Industry Association announced for future workforce skilling initiatives.
