New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched two key defence innovation initiatives—Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) and the 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12)—during DefConnect 4.0 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. These initiatives aim to bolster India’s defence ecosystem by encouraging the development of cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration between the government, startups, and the private sector.
The ADITI 2.0 program introduces 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies, targeting critical technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communications, anti-drone systems, and adaptive camouflage. Selected winners will receive grants of up to ₹25 crore under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in defence technologies.
DISC 12 brings forth 41 challenges, covering key areas like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AI, networking, and communication technologies. With grants of up to ₹1.50 crore, DISC 12 also introduces the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative, focusing on nine challenges that seek to address the medical needs of the Armed Forces. DISC, launched in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission, supports startups, MSMEs, and innovators in developing prototypes and commercializing solutions in national defence and security.
In his address, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh emphasized the pivotal role of DefConnect in nurturing a culture of innovation within India’s defence ecosystem. He stated, “This platform has become an important link between stakeholders, making the nation’s talent a partner in strengthening our security apparatus.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence and underscored the importance of private sector participation in this journey.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the success of iDEX, which has received over 9,000 applications and collaborated with more than 450 startups and MSMEs. So far, 26 products have been developed under iDEX, with procurement orders exceeding ₹1,000 crore. Additionally, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) worth over ₹2,380 crore have been issued for 37 products under this initiative.
Raksha Mantri praised the increasing involvement of the private sector in defence, noting that the government, since 2014, has worked to remove barriers to private sector participation. He pointed to the enhanced synergy between the public and private sectors, exemplified by the DefConnect platform. “Earlier, in-house R&D and organisations like DRDO were the primary developers of cutting-edge defence technologies. Today, the private sector plays an equally important role,” he said.
To support funding needs, the SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund was also announced, with ₹50 crore allocated to 10 leading partner incubators. This initiative will help innovators advance critical defence technologies, with institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and Technology-Hub Hyderabad among the beneficiaries.
Rajnath Singh stressed the need to stay ahead of emerging defence technologies, pointing out how many civilian technologies are now being weaponized. He urged innovators to think beyond current solutions and develop technologies that address future threats. He assured the government’s full support in building a robust and self-reliant defence sector.
The Raksha Mantri also felicitated winners from ADITI 1.0 and showcased innovative solutions from leading iDEX winners, including QuNu Labs, Sagar Defence Technologies, Astrome Technologies, and Pixxel Space India, among others. These innovations span across domains such as munition systems, surveillance, communication systems, and space technologies.