Defense Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) initiative on Sunday, marking the inauguration of DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
This scheme offers start-ups a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation ventures in defense technology, fostering the spirit of ingenuity among the younger generation. Speaking to a diverse audience comprising industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, Singh emphasized how ADITI is poised to propel the nation forward in technological advancements.
The ADITI scheme, encompassing a budget of Rs 750 crore spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26, operates within the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence. It sets its sights on cultivating approximately 30 cutting-edge critical and strategic technologies during the specified timeframe. Additionally, the scheme envisions the creation of a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the modern Armed Forces’ expectations and requirements and the capabilities of the defense innovation ecosystem. The inaugural edition of ADITI has introduced 17 challenges across the Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), and Defence Space Agency (4), as detailed by the Ministry.
Singh, echoing the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to inspire youthful innovation, highlighted the expansion of iDEX to iDEX Prime. The financial assistance under iDEX Prime has increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore, indicating a government keen on supporting groundbreaking ideas. The ADITI scheme emerges as a natural progression, stimulated by the positive response received in addressing challenges posed by Services and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The Defense Minister underscored the underlying theme of schemes like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime—transforming India into a knowledge society. In an era of evolving technologies, Singh emphasized the necessity of securing a technological edge to propel the nation towards development. “We have to transform our country into a knowledge society,” he asserted.
The event also marked the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), establishing a novel collaboration between the defense establishment and the start-up ecosystem, according to the Defense Ministry statement.
DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements across various sectors, inviting innovators to propose solutions that can augment the country’s defense capabilities. Singh emphasized the critical importance of grasping state-of-the-art defense technology for achieving self-reliance, with technology being a decisive factor in modern warfare. He outlined the government’s dual approach—acquiring technology through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and concurrently developing indigenous capabilities through research and development (R&D).
The Defense Minister highlighted the need for India to cultivate its technologies due to the reluctance of countries to share their latest innovations. Emphasizing the role of a robust R&D ecosystem, Singh expressed confidence in India’s large pool of skilled youth, positioning them to make the nation self-reliant in the defense sector. The government’s vision of self-reliance aligns with the broader goal of strategic autonomy, enabling independent decisions on global issues in line with national interests.
Rajnath Singh underscored the positive transformation in domestic defense production, citing a significant increase from Rs 44,000 crore in 2014 to surpassing the monumental figure of Rs one lakh crore presently. This transformation, according to Singh, stems from consistent efforts, tough decisions, and disruptive measures, including earmarking 75% of the defense capital procurement budget for Indian companies.