DRDO Facilitates Technology Transfer and Collaboration with Industry at Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024

Pune: In a bid to enhance collaboration and synergy with the industry, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organized a DRDO-Industry Meet during the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at Pune on February 25, 2024. The objective of the meet was to inform and update industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, about various industry-friendly initiatives and policies of DRDO while also addressing industry concerns.

During the meet, DRDO handed over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, and other dignitaries. The technologies transferred encompassed domains such as electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems, and aeronautics. Some of the notable technologies included the manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, and more. The products based on these technologies aim to boost the defence manufacturing sector and contribute to self-reliance in defence.

DRDO also presented SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates to nine Industry Partners during the event. SAMAR serves as a benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises, providing a standard for industry excellence.

Dr. Kamat reiterated DRDO’s commitment to providing technological support for the development of Indian defence industries in alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the role of industries as invaluable partners and urged Indian industries to capitalize on the latest initiatives and policies of the Government to establish the country as a hub for defence manufacturing.

An Open house session provided industries with an opportunity to express their challenges and expectations, enabling a dialogue for refining frameworks to enhance ease of doing business and facilitate the industry. The Industry was briefed about the latest policies and procedures through which DRDO supports industries, including Transfer of Technologies, Test & Evaluation support, Technological and scientific support, R&D funding under TDF, Free use of DRDO patents by the industry, and the SAMAR scheme. The discussions aimed to strengthen the partnership between DRDO and the industry, fostering innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector.