Union Defence Minister Unveils ADITI Scheme to Boost Strategic Defence Tech Innovations

Union Minister of Defence launched the ADITI scheme during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi. ADITI is the acronym for ‘Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX’

Objectives of ADITI Scheme

• Develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe
• Provide grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore to eligible start-ups for research, development, and innovation in defence technology
• Create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem

Key Features

• Falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
• Total budget of Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26
• In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges have been launched:
  • Indian Army: 3
  • Indian Navy: 5
  • Indian Air Force: 5
  • Defence Space Agency: 4
• iDEX expanded to iDEX Prime, increasing assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore to motivate young innovators

Expected Outcomes

• Nurture the innovation of youth
• Help the country leap forward in the field of technology
• Transform India into a knowledge society

Examples of ADITI Challenges

Indian Army

1. • Development of AI-based Autonomous Surveillance Systems
   • Quantum Communication for Secure Military Networks
   • Next-generation Camouflage Technology

Indian Navy

1. • Underwater Autonomous Vehicles for Submarine Detection
   • Advanced Sonar Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness
   • High-speed Encrypted Data Link for Naval Communications

Indian Air Force

1. • Swarm Drone Technology for Offensive and Defensive Operations
   • AI-assisted Pilot Decision Support Systems
   • Hypersonic Missile Technology

Defence Space Agency

1. • Space Situational Awareness Systems
   • Quantum Encryption for Satellite Communications
   • Debris Removal Technology for Space Sustainability

iDEX Framework

• Launched in April 2018 by the Ministry of Defence
• Aims to achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace
• Engages Industries, including MSMEs and start-ups

Budget Allocation for iDEX and ADITI

Eligibility Criteria for Start-ups

• Start-ups registered under the Start-up India initiative
• Should be working on innovative solutions in the defence and aerospace sector
• Must have a minimum of 51% Indian ownership
• Should not have received funding from any other government scheme for the same project

Evaluation Process

• Proposals will be evaluated by a committee of experts from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the armed forces, and the industry
• Evaluation criteria include:
  • Relevance to the identified challenges
  • Technical feasibility
  • Potential for commercialization
  • Team expertise and experience

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

• IPR generated under the ADITI scheme will be owned by the start-ups
• The government will have a royalty-free license to use the IPR for defence purposes
• Start-ups will be free to commercialize the technology in non-defence sectors

Collaboration with Academia and Industry

• ADITI scheme encourages collaboration between start-ups, academia, and the defence industry
• Start-ups can partner with academic institutions for research and development support
• Industry partners can provide mentorship, manufacturing support, and market access

Potential Impact on Defence Capabilities

• The ADITI scheme aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign defence technologies
• It will promote the development of indigenous solutions tailored to India’s specific requirements
• Successful projects under ADITI can lead to the induction of advanced technologies into the armed forces

Integration with Other Government Initiatives

• ADITI scheme aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative
• It complements other government programs such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’
• ADITI will contribute to the growth of the domestic defence industry and create employment opportunities

Monitoring and Review Mechanism

• Projects funded under ADITI will be closely monitored by the iDEX team
• Regular progress reviews will be conducted to ensure timely completion and achievement of milestones
• Start-ups will be required to submit periodic reports and demonstrate the progress made

Potential for Export of Defence Technologies

• Technologies developed under ADITI have the potential for export to friendly foreign countries
• Successful start-ups can tap into the global defence market, estimated to be worth over $1.9 trillion by 2025
• Exporting defence technologies will boost India’s defence manufacturing sector and contribute to economic growth

Key Stakeholders in the ADITI Ecosystem

The ADITI scheme is a significant initiative to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.

• It aims to bridge the gap between the requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem
• The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth and help India leap forward in the field of technology
• With a total budget of Rs 750 crore, ADITI is expected to create a strong foundation for India’s defence innovation landscape.