Taking place at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on March 04, 2024, DefConnect 2024 is a pivotal event organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The event will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
Objective
DefConnect 2024 aims to promote indigenous innovation and foster partnerships to address evolving security challenges. It serves as a transformative platform for collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the defence sector.
Stakeholders
- Armed Forces: Integral participants in guiding innovation as end users, nodals, and domain experts.
- Defence Industry Leaders: Key contributors to the innovation ecosystem.
- Start-ups: Providers of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
- Academia: Sources of research, expertise, and talent.
- Policymakers: Shapers of the regulatory and strategic landscape.
iDEX Framework
The iDEX framework facilitates collaboration between military personnel and innovators in a co-development model. This approach ensures smooth integration of advancements into existing platforms by leveraging end-user expertise.
Achievements of iDEX
- Conducted 10 rounds of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and 11 rounds of Open Challenges (OC).
- Received over 9,000 applications from individual innovators and start-ups.
- Challenges posed by Tri-Services, Defence Space Agency, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Indian Coast Guard, Border Roads Organisation, and other agencies.
Special Events
- All-Women Panel Discussion: Focused on ‘Women as Drivers of Change’ ahead of International Women’s Day on March 08, 2024.
Key Highlights
- Showcase of cutting-edge technologies developed by iDEX winners.
- Opportunity to interact with iDEX start-ups and understand their innovative technologies.
Significance of iDEX
Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX provides a unified platform for stakeholders in the defence and aerospace sectors. It oversees technology development and facilitates collaborations in these domains.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who is inaugurating DefConnect 2024?
- A) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
- B) Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
- C) Chief of Defence Staff
- D) Minister of Defence Production
- What is the objective of DefConnect 2024?
- A) Promote indigenous innovation and foster partnerships in the defence sector
- B) Facilitate international arms trade
- C) Conduct military drills
- D) Launch satellites for defence surveillance
- How many rounds of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) have been conducted by iDEX?
- A) 5
- B) 10
- C) 15
- D) 20
- What is the focus of the All-Women Panel Discussion at DefConnect 2024?
- A) Cybersecurity
- B) Women empowerment
- C) Renewable energy
- D) Role of women in the armed forces