Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to foster innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 04, 2024. This initiative aims to promote research, development, and innovation in defence technology, particularly by supporting start-ups.
The ADITI Scheme
- Objective:
- The scheme aims to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
- It seeks to nurture the innovation of youth and propel the country forward in technology.
- Funding:
- Start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their R&D endeavors in defence technology.
- The scheme is worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- Implementation:
- Falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
- Aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
Importance of ADITI Scheme
- Youth Empowerment:
- Encourages youth to bring forth innovative ideas.
- Expands iDEX to iDEX Prime, increasing assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore.
- Technological Advancement:
- Aims to transform India into a knowledge society.
- Bridges the gap between the expectations of the Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) 11
- Objective:
- Address critical defence challenges by inviting innovators to propose solutions.
- Enhance the country’s defence capabilities and contribute to national security.
- Problem Statements:
- DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements across various defence sectors.
- Aimed at addressing challenges faced by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and defence organizations.
Government’s Vision for Self-Reliance
- Technology Acquisition:
- Emphasizes mastering state-of-the-art defence technology for self-reliance.
- Government works on acquiring technology through innovation and research.
- Domestic Manufacturing:
- Highlights the importance of domestic defence production for strategic autonomy.
- Various measures taken to promote domestic manufacturing, including earmarking 75% of defence capital procurement budget for Indian companies.
Initiatives and Collaborations
- Technology Showcase:
- Organized by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to highlight innovations in defence technology.
- Represents diverse areas such as AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, etc.
- Diversity and Inclusion:
- Hosts a panel discussion on ‘Women as Drivers of Change’ to promote gender diversity in defence entrepreneurship.
- Recognizes the contributions of women entrepreneurs in the defence innovation ecosystem.
- Investment and Support:
- Launches a rolling iDEX internship program to nurture young talent in defence innovation.
- Forms MoUs with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH) to facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups.
Conclusion
The launch of the ADITI Scheme, DISC 11, and other initiatives during DefConnect 2024 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production. These initiatives are expected to accelerate India’s progress towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation, ensuring national security and sovereignty.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the objective of the ADITI scheme?
- a) To promote agricultural innovation
- b) To foster innovation in defence technology
- c) To support healthcare research
- d) To enhance educational infrastructure
- Answer: b) To foster innovation in defence technology
- How much grant-in-aid can start-ups receive under the ADITI scheme?
- a) Up to Rs 10 crore
- b) Up to Rs 50 crore
- c) Up to Rs 25 crore
- d) Up to Rs 5 crore
- Answer: c) Up to Rs 25 crore
- What is the main focus of DISC 11?
- a) Promoting space exploration
- b) Addressing challenges in agriculture
- c) Enhancing defence capabilities
- d) Facilitating environmental conservation
- Answer: c) Enhancing defence capabilities
- What is emphasized as crucial for achieving self-reliance in defence technology?
- a) Dependency on foreign imports
- b) Mastering state-of-the-art technology
- c) Investing in non-essential sectors
- d) Encouraging outsourcing
- Answer: b) Mastering state-of-the-art technology
- What is the purpose of the iDEX internship program?
- a) To promote tourism
- b) To foster talent in defence innovation
- c) To support traditional crafts
- d) To provide medical training
- Answer: b) To foster talent in defence innovation