Innovation for Defense Excellence (iDEX)
- Recently Innovation for Defense Excellence (iDEX) has achieved a major milestone by signing the 150th contract.
- Defense Ministry has signed the 150th contract for Defense Innovation under iDEX.
- The contract pertains to an Indian Navy project under the Defense India Start-up Challenge.
About Innovation for Defense Excellence (iDEX)
- iDEX Framework was established in the year 2018. It provides a platform for co-creation and co-development in the defense sector.
- Under this, participation of start-ups is being encouraged to develop defense and aerospace capability in the country.
- iDEX is being implemented by the Defense Innovation Organization (DIO) set up under the Department of Defense Production.
Defense Innovation Organization (DIO):
- DIO is a non-profit organization formed under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
- It is funded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It provides high level policy guidance to iDEX.
Importance of Defense Start-up
- This will lead to self-reliance and innovation and technology development in the defense and aerospace sectors.
- This will enable the youth to contribute to India’s defense needs.
- This will help in reducing the import of defense related equipment.
Other initiatives taken to promote innovation in defense sector
- Dare to Dream: It is a pan India innovation competition to promote start-ups and innovators to contribute to the defense ecosystem.
- Technology Development Fund Scheme: Under this, industries (especially MSMEs and start-ups) are encouraged to develop different defense technologies. It is being implemented by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Srijan Portal: Developmental support is provided to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)/Start-ups/Industries to reduce defense imports.
Source – PIB
