In a significant move towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh recently unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. This visionary initiative aims to promote cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking scheme and its potential impact on India’s defence landscape.
This initiative, launched during the DefConnect 2024 event, aims to support start-ups by providing grants of up to Rs 25 crore for their research and development efforts in defense technology.
What is ADITI?
ADITI, which stands for Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX, operates within the broader framework of iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) within the Ministry of Defence.
This scheme is strategically crafted to foster innovation, address technological disparities, and expedite the advancement of deep-tech solutions tailored for defense purposes.
ADITI, aligned with the iDEX initiative, reflects a comprehensive approach by the Ministry of Defence to propel the nation towards self-reliance and excellence in defense technology.
Through targeted efforts, the scheme aims to nurture a culture of innovation and bridge critical technological gaps in the defense sector.
During the launch, Defense Minister Singh emphasized the scheme’s potential to nurture the innovation of young minds and propel the country forward in technological advancements. He highlighted a significant shift in the armed forces’ mindset towards incorporating indigenous products, emphasizing the importance of both this mindset change and the associated processes.
The ADITI scheme, with a budget of Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, falls under the iDEX framework. It aims to develop 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within this timeframe. Additionally, the scheme envisions creating a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between armed forces’ expectations and the capabilities of the defense innovation ecosystem.
The first edition of ADITI focuses on addressing 17 challenges posed by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Space Agency. These challenges span various areas, seeking innovative solutions from the participating start-ups.
Key Objectives:
- Promoting Innovation: ADITI aims to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging start-ups, entrepreneurs, and researchers to explore critical and strategic defence technologies.
- Grant-in-Aid: Eligible start-ups can receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research and development endeavors.
- Technological Leap: The scheme seeks to propel India forward in the field of technology, ensuring self-reliance and strategic advantage.
Strategic Focus Areas
ADITI focuses on developing approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe (2023-24 to 2025-26). These technologies will address crucial defence challenges and enhance India’s defence capabilities. Some of the key areas include:
- Cybersecurity and Encryption: Strengthening digital resilience and safeguarding critical defence networks.
- Unmanned Systems: Advancing drone technology for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Leveraging AI for decision-making, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems.
- Advanced Materials and Composites: Enhancing durability, weight reduction, and performance.
- Quantum Technologies: Exploring quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
Creating a Knowledge Society
Youth Empowerment: ADITI aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to empower young innovators. The expansion of iDEX to iDEX Prime, with increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore, demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering innovation.
Transforming India: The schemes/initiatives, including ADITI, aim to transform India into a knowledge society. As technology evolves, India must achieve a technological edge to become a developed nation.
11th Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC)
The launch of ADITI coincided with the unveiling of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC). DISC introduces 22 problem statements across various defence domains, inviting innovators to propose solutions. The collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem promises exciting breakthroughs for national security.
Transforming India into a Knowledge Society:
The Defence Ministry aims to transform India into a knowledge society through initiatives like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime. Singh stressed the importance of achieving a technological edge to become a developed country, emphasizing the need to adapt to new technologies and transform the nation into a knowledge-driven society.
Positive Takeaway
ADITI Scheme represents a bold stride towards self-reliance and technological excellence in defence. As India embraces innovation, it positions itself as a global player in critical and strategic technologies. With ADITI, the nation marches forward, driven by the spirit of discovery and the promise of a secure future.
