Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, aimed at boosting innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies. This initiative, launched during the DefConnect 2024 event, is set to provide significant support to start-ups involved in research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
Under the ADITI scheme, eligible start-ups can receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore, offering a substantial opportunity for these enterprises to contribute to the advancement of defence technologies. During the event, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries, Singh highlighted the scheme’s potential to nurture youth innovation and propel the country forward in the technology sphere.
The iDEX (Innovations For Defence Excellence) scheme, initiated by the Ministry’s Department of Defence in April 2018, serves as the foundation for ADITI. Its primary objective is to achieve self-reliance, stimulate innovation, and promote technology development in defence and aerospace sectors by engaging industries, MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia.
General Chauhan emphasized the significance of ADITI, stating that it represents a significant step towards aligning the mindsets of the Ministry of Defence, services, and innovators. He also mentioned plans to introduce the sixth Positive Indigenisation List, while stressing the importance of reviewing the existing lists to ensure timely achievements.
The ADITI scheme, with a budget of Rs 750 crore spanning 2023-24 to 2025-26, falls under the iDEX framework of the Department of Defence Production. Its objective is to develop approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the specified timeframe. Additionally, the scheme aims to establish a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between modern armed forces’ expectations and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
In its inaugural phase, ADITI has launched 17 challenges for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space Agency. The Defence Ministry highlighted that ADITI builds upon the success of iDEX and iDEX Prime, with iDEX Prime’s assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore to motivate young innovators.
Singh emphasized the transformative impact of initiatives like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime, highlighting India’s path towards becoming a knowledge society. He stressed the necessity of achieving a technological edge to drive the country’s development, particularly as new technologies continue to emerge.
With the ADITI scheme’s launch, the Indian defence sector is poised to witness a surge in innovative solutions and advancements, furthering the nation’s self-reliance and technological prowess in defence technologies.
