DefConnect 2024: Rajnath Singh Launches ADITI Scheme to Boost Defence Innovation

During DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi on March 4, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. The scheme aims to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, providing start-ups with significant grants for research and development.

ADITI Scheme Overview

• Objective: Promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
• Grant-in-Aid: Up to Rs 25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
• Duration and Budget: Rs 750 crore allocated for 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Targets: Develop approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies.

Rajnath Singh’s Address Highlights

• Youth Innovation: Emphasized government commitment to fostering innovation among youth.
• Technological Edge: Stressed the importance of achieving a technological edge for India’s development.
• Transforming into a Knowledge Society: Highlighted the need to transform India into a knowledge society.

Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)

• Initiative: Unveiled the 11th edition, introducing 22 problem statements.
• Aim: Address critical defence challenges and enhance national security.
• Invitation: Invites innovators to propose solutions contributing to defence capabilities.

Self-Reliance in Defence Production

• Significance: Stressed the importance of self-reliance for independent decision-making aligned with national interests.
• Government Efforts: Highlighted efforts to promote domestic manufacturing and boost the economy.
• Procurement Budget: Earmarked 75% of the defence capital procurement budget for Indian companies.

Technology Showcase by iDEX-DIO

• Organizer: iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
• Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cybersecurity.
• Participants: Start-ups revolutionizing key technological domains.