Launch of ADITI Scheme under iDEX to Bolster Defence Innovations

Event and Scheme Introduction: On March 4, 2024, Union Minister Rajnath Singh from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) inaugurated the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme at the DefConnect 2024 conference in New Delhi. This scheme is designed to enhance critical and strategic defence technology development through innovative approaches.

Scheme Framework and Financials:

• Framework: ADITI is part of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) of the MoD.
• Funding: A substantial grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore will be provided to start-ups engaging in research, development, and innovation in defence technologies.
• Total Budget: The scheme boasts a budget allocation of Rs 750 crore covering the fiscal years from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Objectives and Implementation:

• Technology Development: The scheme targets the cultivation of about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies.
• Technology Watch Tool: A new tool to synchronize the Armed Forces’ needs with the innovation capabilities available, bridging any gaps effectively.
• Challenge Launch: In its initial phase, ADITI has introduced 17 challenges that are distributed among various branches of the Indian Armed Forces:
  • Indian Army: 3 challenges
  • Indian Navy: 5 challenges
  • Indian Air Force: 5 challenges
  • Defence Space Agency: 4 challenges

Expansion and Enhancement:

• iDEX to iDEX Prime: The iDEX initiative has been expanded to iDEX Prime, increasing the funding assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore to further support the development of defence technologies.

Related Events:

1. Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) 11th Edition:
   • The event also saw the launch of DISC’s 11th edition, which laid out 22 new problem statements for start-ups to tackle, aiming to strengthen national security through collaborative innovation.

2. Technology Showcase:
   • A technology exhibition was organized by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), highlighting a wide array of start-ups that are at the cutting edge of defence sector innovations.

Conclusion: The ADITI scheme, through its comprehensive support and substantial funding, aims to propel the advancement of defence technologies in India, fostering a robust ecosystem for start-ups to innovate and meet the strategic needs of the defence sector. This initiative not only aligns with national security objectives but also promotes a culture of technological advancement and innovation within the country’s defence framework.