India has set in process close interaction with academia and industry for innovation and indigenization.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday launched through video conference the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organisation (NIIO), which envisages putting in place dedicated structures for end users to interact with academia, industry towards innovation and indigenization.

A three-tiered organization, NIIO will have Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC) which will bring together the twin aspects of innovation and indigenisation and provide apex level directives.

All projects will be implemented by a working group formed under N-TAC. Besides, a Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC) has also been created for induction of emerging disruptive technology in an accelerated time frame.

It should be noted that the Draft Defence Acquisition Policy 2020 (DAP 20) envisages Service Headquarters establishing an Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation within existing resources.

Indian Navy already has a functional Directorate of Indigenisation (DoI) and the new structures created will build upon the ongoing indigenisation initiatives, as well as focus on innovation.

Earlier, the Indian Navy signed MoU with Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA); Raksha Shakti University (RSU), Gujarat; Maker Village, Kochi and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).

On this occasion, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present, a compendium of Indian Navy’s Indigenisation perspective plan titled ‘SWAVLAMBAN’ was also released.