The launch of ADITI comes at a crucial time when India is striving to enhance its defence capabilities amid rapidly evolving global security dynamics
 
Underlining India's commitment to uphold its defence capabilities through innovation and technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated DefConnect 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Monday (March 4, 2024). 
 
The event, a cornerstone of the Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) initiative under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, aims to catalyze indigenous innovation in the defence sector. It brings together key stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, defence industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and policymakers, to forge partnerships that address the evolving security challenges of the 21st century.
 
At the heart of DefConnect 2024 was the launch of the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme by Defence Minister Singh. This initiative, with a budget allocation of Rs 750 crore over the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
 
By providing grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore, the scheme aims to empower start-ups to undertake research, development, and innovation in defence technology, ensuring that the country's youth can contribute significantly to technological advancement in this vital sector.
 
Contextualizing ADITI in India's Defence Innovation Landscape
 
The launch of ADITI comes at a crucial time when India is striving to enhance its defence capabilities amid rapidly evolving global security dynamics. The scheme is part of a broader effort to transition India into a knowledge society that is self-reliant in its defence needs. This vision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India), particularly in the defence sector, which is critical for maintaining the country's sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
 
DefConnect 2024 showcases the potential of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the innovation ecosystem to address defence challenges. The event underscores the significance of the ADITI scheme in bridging the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities within the defence innovation ecosystem. This year's Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) introduced 22 problem statements from various arms of the Indian Armed Forces, inviting start-ups to propose innovative solutions that enhance the country's defence capabilities.
 
Promoting Gender Diversity and Nurturing Talent
 
In a move to promote gender diversity within the defence innovation ecosystem, DefConnect 2024 features an All-Women Panel Discussion on 'Women as Drivers of Change', ahead of International Women's Day. This discussion is meant to highlight the critical role women play in defence innovation and the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities in this field.
 
Furthermore, the event announced the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program aimed at nurturing young talent by providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in defence innovation. 
 
Furthering a Self-Reliant Defence Ecosystem
 
Defence Minister Singh's address at DefConnect 2024 emphasized the government's efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence production, noting the significant growth in domestic defence production from Rs 44,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs one lakh crore today. He highlighted the importance of indigenous manufacturing and the role of innovation in ensuring India's strategic autonomy.
 
He also stressed the need for India to develop its own cutting-edge technologies rather than relying solely on foreign imports, which may not always align with the nation's strategic interests. The ADITI scheme, along with the continued expansion of the iDEX framework, signifies a precipitating step towards achieving this goal, furthering an environment where innovation can thrive and contribute to the nation's defence and security.
 
DefConnect 2024, through its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, sets a new benchmark in India's journey towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation. With the support of the government and the dynamic participation of the start-up ecosystem, India is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of modern warfare and safeguard its national interests in the years to come.